Minister of Health Dr Irena Hrstić visits Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre following first five robot-assisted gynaecological surgeries. Minister of Health Dr Irena Hrstić visited Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre (KBC Rijeka) today following the first five robot-assisted gynaecological surgeries, marking a further step in the development of state-of-the-art surgical techniques within the public healthcare system in Rijeka.
Joining Minister Hrstić at the press conference were Dr Ratko Salamon, Chair of the KBC Rijeka Management Board; Associate Professor Alemka Brnčić-Fischer, Director of KBC Rijeka; Dr Damir Ćerimagić, Specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics; and Dr Danilo Vejnović, Specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics and Head of the Department of Gynaecology.
The first surgical procedures using robotic surgery were successfully performed recently at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at KBC Rijeka. This sophisticated form of minimally invasive surgery enables complex procedures to be carried out with a high degree of precision and control.
KBC Rijeka is continuing its development under the leadership of its director, with the aim of providing patients with modern, safe and expert care. The introduction of this new method supports our goal of developing regional centres of excellence, to the benefit and satisfaction of patients and all healthcare professionals.
Dr Irena Hrstić, Minister of Health
The Government has allocated €5.1 million from the state budget for the procurement of two robotic surgical systems. The systems will be used in abdominal surgery, urology and gynaecology, further expanding KBC Rijeka’s capacity to perform minimally invasive procedures across several areas of medicine.
The robotic systems provide surgeons with a high-resolution, three-dimensional view of the operating field, with significant image magnification, while translating the surgeon’s hand movements into precise movements of instruments within the surgical field.
For patients, this means less pain and blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and a quicker return to everyday activities. Robotic surgery is particularly valuable for more complex procedures, including myomectomies and surgery for endometrial and cervical cancer.
The introduction of robotic surgery was preceded by extensive training for doctors and entire surgical teams, including simulator-based training and work under the guidance of experienced mentors. The new technology also creates additional opportunities for the education of medical students and the advanced training of specialist and subspecialist doctors, further strengthening the hospital’s clinical and scientific capabilities.
Robotic surgery as part of the wider development of KBC Rijeka
The introduction of robotic surgery forms part of the wider development of KBC Rijeka and continued investment in its infrastructure, equipment and professional capabilities.
The new Hospital for Women and Children, worth €158 million, has created scope for the further development of healthcare services at the Sušak site. At the same time, energy renovation works are under way across almost 23,000 square metres of the existing Sušak buildings, representing an investment of €18.6 million.
The next phase of KBC Rijeka’s development is also ahead. A preliminary design prepared in cooperation with a European Investment Bank consortium envisages 823 beds, while completing the expansion of KBC Rijeka is one of the Government’s priorities for the remainder of its term.
