The robotic surgical team at University Hospital Hairmyres (UHH) were celebrating a major milestone last week after completing the 500th surgical procedure since robotic-assisted surgery was introduced in 2022.
DaVinci robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) was initially only being performed on certain urology procedures but three years on and following a major expansion of the DaVinci surgical system it is now being performed on urology, colorectal and more recently gynecology patients.
As a result, more patients in Lanarkshire have been able to benefit from minimally invasive surgery, with improved outcomes such as quicker recovery times.
Robotic-assisted surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which surgeons use the DaVinci surgical system to perform delicate and complex operations through a few small incisions.
Surgeons have total control of the system’s movements, benefitting from the enhanced visualisation, dexterity, precision and ergonomics that da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical systems provide, which was designed to reduce rates of open surgery, improve equity of access and outcomes for patients, and enhance NHS productivity.
Mr Fraser Maxwell, Consultant Surgeon performed the 500th robotic surgical procedure in a patient with colorectal cancer (the patient wishes to remain anonymous).
He explained: “We have been using the DaVinci system in Lanarkshire since 2022 and the benefits for the surgical team are huge. We have a very stable high-definition 3D image as well as instruments with a significantly improved range of motion compared to standard laparoscopic (key hole) instruments. This means we are able to complete even complex procedures using minimally invasive surgery.
“The benefits for Lanarkshire patients are a quicker recovery with less post-operative pain in most circumstances. We find that on the whole patients can get back to normal activities much quicker. Some patients recover so quickly they can be discharged the following day after bowel cancer surgery. This was very uncommon with standard keyhole or open surgery.
“We are able use robotic surgery in three specialties with gynaecology the latest and there are potential benefits in other surgical specialties which we hope will be rolled out in a phased approach.”
Natalie McCluskey is the Senior Charge Nurse and Robotics Co-ordinator and has been involved with robotic-assisted surgery since it was installed at UHH and has seen it evolve over the last three years.
She added: “NHS Lanarkshire’s robotics programme has grown and developed significantly over the past three years. For surgical teams, it has been a steep but rewarding learning curve, with the service already transforming patient care across the region.
“I’m amazed at how far we’ve come and incredibly proud that so many patients have already benefitted from robotic surgery. Reaching this milestone is a real achievement, and I’m excited to see what the future holds as we move towards the next 500 cases.
“Being part of such an innovative approach to surgery has been hugely rewarding, and it’s inspiring to think about what more we can accomplish in the years ahead.”
