Cancer patients in Tayside are now able to have minimally invasive surgery following the installation of robotic surgery technology.
Ninewells Hospital took delivery of a surgical robot last year, and surgeons in multi-disciplinary teams completed intensive training before the service saw its first patients at the end of 2021.
According to the team at NHS Tayside, the robot is treating patients for colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, urology and gynaecological cancers, carrying out complex surgical procedures.
The robot enables a surgeon to operate on these cancers more easily as it accesses hard-to-reach areas of the body by mimicking the surgeon’s hand movements.
It makes much smaller incisions allowing intricate procedures such as tumour and organ removal to be carried out with more precision.
This leads to patients requiring less time in hospital and providers quicker recovery, reduced pain, reduced complications, reduced blood loss and ultimately, improved outcomes.
Surgeon, Ghulam Nabi, said: “The introduction of robotic assisted surgery for patients with prostate cancer is transformational in their treatment and recovery pathway.
“The benefits from using precision instruments and keyhole surgical techniques for patients are evidenced in reduced blood loss and time spent recovering in hospital. Patients who have had robotic surgery for complex cancer surgery are usually able to go home the day after surgery instead of spending almost a week in hospital.
“NHS Tayside’s robotic assisted surgical service and the investment in cutting-edge technology supports patients to have the best experience and improved outcomes. Whilst it is early days for the robotic assisted surgical service in Tayside, it is hoped that this advanced surgical technology will develop further and bring even more benefits in the future.”
