Royce scrubs up for first day

Named after former Alfred Director of Urology A/Prof Peter Royce, who co-founded the hospital’s Brachytherapy Prostate Cancer Clinic, the da Vinci Xi Surgical System is set to improve patient outcomes and elevate research and training for clinicians.

Royce’s ability to improve surgical precision and control will result in fewer complications and faster recovery for patients, said A/Prof Jeremy Grummet, Director of Urology.

“We’re pleased to be able to incorporate a world class robotic surgical system into our work, because the efficiencies that contribute to a better experience for patients are quite significant,” A/Prof Grummet.

“Shorter recovery times mean patients can avoid an extended hospital stay and return home sooner, while ensuring we can care for other patients awaiting these surgical procedures sooner.”

Royce will be assisting surgeons on a range of minimally invasive cancer procedures at The Alfred Centre, including for kidney, prostate, bowel, colorectal, head and neck cancers, as well as cardiothoracic cases.

Royce’s arrival also heralds a new era in training opportunities for surgical trainees, with its configuration meaning a senior surgeon and trainee surgeon can operate together.

“What we are also really excited about is the integration of technology and data, which means that we can use analytics from surgical procedures to inform research and training, and further improve patient outcomes,” A/Prof Grummet said.

A/Prof Royce’s commitment to securing a surgical robot at The Alfred is central to his legacy at the hospital.

Trained in Surgery and Urology at the Alfred, A/Prof Royce worked as a Consultant Urologist and was appointed Director of Urology in 2007.

He co-founded The Alfred’s Melbourne Prostate Institute/Brachytherapy Prostate Cancer Clinic and specialised in radical prostatectomy (open and robotic surgery), prostate brachytherapy and high intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of localised prostate cancer.

A/Prof Royce retired from Alfred Health in 2024, but we are delighted that his contribution to Alfred Health will continue via Royce for many years to come.