The pancreatic unit at Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust (LUHFT) has been using a ‘multimillion-pound’ robotic solution during surgery to improve the quality of patient care.
Surgeons at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital have reportedly been trained on how to operate the machinery, which was designed to increase the precision of certain surgical procedures.
The device works by having surgeons sit inside the Da Vinci Xi electronic console and place their fingers into a glove-like apparatus, which allows the surgeon to control the robot’s arms. This process offers more movement than the human hand alone allows.
Jawad Ahmad, consultant HBP Surgeon, from Coventry University Hospitals and lead UK trainer for pancreatic robotic surgery, said: “Robotic surgery reduces pain and recovery time for patients meaning they spend less time in hospital.
“This innovative way of operating will be hugely beneficial to the communities Liverpool University Hospitals cares for.”
Currently, there are two robots in operation at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and three across Liverpool University Hospitals, with the trust claiming to be the only in the North West with this number.
What’s more, pancreatic surgeons have been able to join colleagues from urology, colorectal and upper GI in having the opportunity to trial the robot during surgery at LUHFT.
Declan Dunne, consultant pancreatic surgeon at Liverpool University Hospitals, said: “This is an extremely exciting time for our pancreatic unit and patients undergoing surgery in urology, colorectal and upper gastrointestinal tract.”
“The investment and introduction of this additional robot further cements our reputation as one of the leading pancreatic services internationally.
“It is great to work for an ambitious trust which embraces new techniques and ways of working so its staff can stay at the top of their game and continue to give our patients the best care.
“For me personally, it would be a privilege to train colleagues in other hospitals on how to use the robot in the future.
“We will see an increase in robotic surgery in the UK and our team strives to be at the forefront of that.”
