Dr Cerqui performed his first robotic case with the da Vinci robot in late 2018, and the first procedure at St Vincent's in early 2023. Since then, he has become one of Australia's leading da Vinci robotic surgeons, with one of the highest volumes of procedures in the country.

Dr Cerqui also plays an important role in supporting other gynaecological surgeons through their first robotic procedures, providing teaching and mentoring.

The advanced da Vinci surgical system translates a surgeon's hand movements in real-time into precise micro-movements of tiny instruments inside the body. For patients, the benefits can include shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, reduced blood loss and less post-operative pain.

St Vincent's Toowoomba has now completed more than 1,300 robotic procedures since introducing the technology in April 2023. As one of Australia's leading regional robotic hospitals, St Vincent's performs around 500 robotic procedures each year. Despite our regional location, we rival many metropolitan and interstate programs in robotic procedure volume.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Cerqui said, "I'm very grateful for the fantastic clinical team I work with."