The medical team, formed by Dr. Pasquina Tomaiuolo, Dr. Giada Di Flumeri, Dr. Giulia Moretti and Dr. Alessia Di Leo, will be the first female only team in the world to use the Versius robot for minimally invasive surgery, including colorectal and abdominal wall reconstruction surgery.
Dr. Pasquina Tomaiuolo, Specialist in General Surgery, says, “Over the years, the number of women enrolled in medical school has gradually increased, but few still decide to pursue a career in surgery. Being an entirely female team to use Versius for minimally invasive surgery, I hope will send a message and encourage young women who would like to pursue this profession but still consider it a ‘male-only’ field. Biases and stereotypes can be challenged and sometimes, as in our case, overturned.”
Dr. Giada Di Flumeri, Specialist in General Surgery, comments, "Robotic technology is the future of surgery and we are delighted to be part of this next generation of surgeons and nurses helping to advance patient care. It’s exciting for us to be the first of hopefully many all-female Versius teams here in Italy, but also worldwide.”
Cristo Re Hospital installed Versius in 2021 to use as part of a multi-specialty robotic programme across gynaecology, urology and general surgery. With Versius, the hospital aims to significantly increase patient access to minimally invasive surgery which is associated with benefits including quicker recovery time, less scarring and less pain for patients (1).
References: (1) McWilliams, Andrew. (2009, March). The Market for Minimally Invasive Medical Devices. BCC Research, p.14
Image: courtesy of CMR Surgical