Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) has announced a £3.6m investment in a new robot to assist with surgical procedures.
The Intuitive Da Vinci Xi surgical robot will be used for colorectal surgery.
Operated by a surgeon, a camera inserted inside the patient undergoing surgery, with robotic arms being controlled via a console.
This procedure allows for greater precision than traditional laparoscopic (also known as ‘keyhole’) or open surgery.
Antonia Durham-Hall, colorectal consultant surgeon and lead clinician for gastrointestinal surgery, said: “This is one of the most significant investments made in the advancements of surgery at DBTH and it will transform colorectal cancer surgery for our patients.
“As improvements are made in the early diagnosis of cancers it is extremely important that advancements are also made in how we treat them, so patients can go on to have a good quality of life post cancer surgery.
“The introduction of robotic surgery will significantly improve outcomes for patients following their surgery, such as faster recovery times, reduced length of stay, and a reduction in the chance of a conversion to open surgery. In some types of tumour, there will also be improved cancer outcomes. There will also be a decrease in patients who experience problems with urinary and sexual function after rectal surgery and a reduction in those needing a long-term stoma.
“I’m extremely pleased that we will be able to offer this to our patients in the near future and thankful to the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity for such a significant investment.”
The robot is due to arrive early next financial year, with a member of the DBTH colorectal team already being trained to use the solution.
