St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital installs Australia’s first Olympus 4K ENT Surgical System

St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital has become the first hospital in Australia to install the latest Olympus 4K ENT Surgical System that provides the highest quality images available for laparoscopic surgery. The system is also the first Olympus 4K surgical system sold in Queensland.

Dr David Morrissey, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon at St Andrew’s Toowoomba performing a procedure on the Olympus 4K system

The new surgical system delivers four times the detail of current high-definition imaging systems, providing surgeons with the image quality needed to operate more precisely and safely. In addition, the colour reproduction is remarkable allowing greater accuracy, speed and precision.

Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, is a modern surgical technique that is used to examine or operate on a patient through small incisions in the body. A thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end is used to examine the internal organs or structures. Laparoscopic surgery has many benefits including fewer side effects and risks, along with a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.

Dr David Morrisey, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon at St Andrew’s Toowoomba, was one of the first surgeons to use the new 4K equipment.

“The Olympus 4K system has provided vastly improved patient safety for people undergoing sinus and nasal surgery as it allows surgeons like myself, much better visualisation. This enables more complete, safer and efficient surgery for those with nasal and sinus problems and greatly enhances their care,” said Dr Morrisey.

Dr David Morrissey, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon at St Andrew’s Toowoomba performing a procedure on the Olympus 4K system

The new equipment has also been beneficial for the St Andrew’s Hospital Gynaecology surgical team. Local Toowoomba Gynaecologist, Dr Brendan Miller explains how the new equipment has helped with gynaecological surgical techniques.

“The Olympus 4K laparoscopic system gives improved vision which is vital for laparoscopic surgery. The enhanced resolution enables smaller ports to be used without compromising vision. Subtle endometriosis can be detected and resected leading to improved outcomes for infertility surgery. Finer visual detail helps in using smaller sutures for laparoscopic suturing,” said Dr Miller.

Olympus has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital having previously delivered equipment and training services to help the Hospital invest in the latest technologies over the years.

St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital sets the benchmark for regional hospitals, with its progressive technology focus and rapid expansion over the past 10 years to service the increasing demand from the region.

The Hospital recently became the first hospital in the Southern Hemisphere to open a purpose-built, state-of-the-art ENDOALPHA ‘blue glass’ theatre featuring Olympus 3D technology. The laparoscopic theatre allows surgeons to undertake precision keyhole surgery.

St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital prides themselves on “leading the way” in healthcare.

“The introduction of new surgical equipment that improves safety and accuracy is of high priority to St Andrew’s Hospital. We have made significant investment in our surgical technology and facilities over recent years to ensure that patients in the region receive the very latest surgical treatment available,” said Mr Fairweather, Chief Executive Officer, St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital.

Ray Fairweather, Chief Executive Officer, St. Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital

“This significant milestone positions St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital at the forefront of medical advancements,” said Mr Fairweather.