In the heart of Kirikiriroa/Hamilton, a surgical revolution is quietly taking shape. Dr Tarek Saleh, an experienced gynaecological surgeon with a passion for advancing women’s health, is among the first surgeons at Braemar Hospital to master the da Vinci surgical robot – the first of its kind in the Waikato region.
A Vision Born from Experience
Dr Saleh’s journey with robotic surgery began in 2017 during a transformative experience in Chicago, where he shadowed a surgeon specialising in robotic procedures. “I returned to New Zealand full of hope to get trained in robotic surgery,” he recalls. That dream is now becoming reality as Braemar Hospital’s multi-million-dollar investment in the da Vinci Xi robot brings cutting-edge surgical technology directly to our community.
The Future is Here
Speaking from his calming specialist rooms at Alpha Care, Dr Saleh explains his vision for robotic surgery to become his “new norm.” As a highly skilled laparoscopic surgeon and fellow of the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery Society, he sees robotic surgery as the natural progression of surgical advancement.
“It’s the way surgery is going,” Dr Saleh explains with enthusiasm. “I remember 25 years ago people talking about laparoscopic surgery, saying it was unnecessary and not needed. Now laparoscopic surgery is standard practice. Soon robotic surgery will be the same – a standard.”
Training for Excellence
Dr Saleh’s commitment to mastering this technology is impressive. Despite an already heavy caseload, he’s dedicating weekends to intensive training on the da Vinci robot. His first robotic surgery is scheduled for mid-October, with plans for numerous procedures leading up to Christmas.
“If you’re going to do the intense training, then have the caseload for procedures ready after the training – that allows for best practice,” he explains. In the near future, Dr Saleh envisions all his hysterectomies being performed using robotic surgery.
Transforming Patient Care
The benefits for patients are substantial and reassuring. Robotic surgery offers:
- Greater precision: The da Vinci system provides surgeons with enhanced dexterity and control
- Minimally invasive approach: Smaller incisions mean less scarring and reduced pain
- Faster recovery times: Patients can return to their daily lives sooner
- Less tissue trauma: Advanced technology minimises damage to surrounding healthy tissue
- Better outcomes for complex cases: Particularly beneficial for patients with higher BMI and lengthy, comprehensive procedures
“I think patients will love it,” Dr Saleh says confidently. “It’s a more advanced way of doing things.”
Perfect for Our Community’s Needs
Pru Sheahan from Braemar Hospital highlights the significance of having a surgeon with Dr Saleh’s skills and professional approach in the initial training group. “Robotic surgery is perfect for the many gynaecological and urology procedures we perform on a weekly basis at Braemar,” she notes.
The da Vinci system excels in various surgical specialties, including general, urological, gynaecological, and increasingly in thoracic and cardiac surgeries. This versatility means more patients in the Waikato region will have access to world-class, minimally invasive surgical options.
Building New Zealand’s Surgical Future
Dr Saleh’s vision extends beyond his own practice. “It would be my dream that soon I and other surgeons would be able to provide our young, up-and-coming doctors in New Zealand the opportunity to learn this as part of their surgical training,” he shares.
This investment positions the Waikato region at the forefront of surgical innovation. While robotic surgery has been popular in Australia and the US for years, New Zealand is now catching up, with Braemar’s da Vinci robot being just the ninth in the country.
Your Path to Advanced Care
For patients curious about robotic surgery, the process is straightforward and reassuring. Simply discuss your preferences with your GP or specialist, who will outline your options and support you in making the best decision for your circumstances. Many health insurers cover robotic procedures, though patients should check with their provider about specific coverage details.
A Commitment to Excellence
As Braemar Hospital Chief Executive Fiona Michel explains, “Our purpose is to Make Lives Better, and we aspire to be New Zealand’s most innovative provider of surgical excellence. The robot investment is about more choices for our patients.”
This significant investment by the independent, not-for-profit Braemar Charitable Trust demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the Waikato community. It ensures local access to world-class surgical technology while attracting and retaining top medical talent in Hamilton.
Looking Forward
Dr Saleh’s enthusiasm is infectious as he describes the transformation he sees coming: “Instead of using straight sticks, the robot is helping us use those straight sticks for our operations with unprecedented precision.”
The da Vinci robot represents more than just advanced technology – it’s a bridge to the future of surgery, offering patients in the Waikato region access to the same cutting-edge treatments available in major international medical centres.
As Dr Saleh prepares for his first robotic surgery, patients can feel confident knowing they’re in the hands of a skilled surgeon who’s dedicated not just to mastering new technology, but to ensuring the very best outcomes for every person in his care.
For more information about robotic surgery options at Braemar Hospital, speak with your GP or specialist about whether this advanced approach might be suitable for your procedure.
Braemar Hospital is 100% owned by the Braemar Charitable Trust which works to improve healthcare access in the community.