NHS Tayside’s robotic surgical service has hit a major milestone by performing more than 1000 procedures for patients with complex surgical needs.
The robotic-assisted surgical service has continued to go from strength-to-strength since it was first introduced in 2021. Surgeons and multi-disciplinary teams have carried out complex procedures on more than 1000 patients from colorectal, urology, gynaecology and ear, nose and throat specialities.
The robot is controlled by experienced highly trained laparoscopic (keyhole) surgeons who operate the device from within the theatre sitting adjacent to the patient. Using precision instruments, the robot mimics a surgeon’s hand movements enabling the surgeon to operate in hard-to-reach areas of the body. It makes small incisions allowing for complex procedures when removing tumours and organs is required.
Consultant gynaecologist Dr Kalpana Ragupathy, who has completed around 240 robotic-assisted gynaecological procedures since the service was introduced, performed the 1000th surgery on patient Karen Davidson, who also happens to be a valued member of the NHS Tayside team.
Karen, who has been a domestic assistant at Whitehills Health & Community Care Centre for an impressive 24 years, underwent the innovative procedure and was back up on her feet the same day.
“I'm relieved that the surgery went how we had hoped it would,” Karen said. “I was happy for the robot to be used for my procedure after having a chat with Dr Ragupathy about the options we had. I'm pleased to be up on my feet and raring to go.”
Dr Ragupathy added, “It is a proud moment to reach more than 1000 patients using robotic-assisted surgery. Robot assistance has helped to move laparoscopic surgery even further, bringing more benefits for patients as they experience less pain, fewer complications and are able to resume day-to-day activities much earlier.
“The robotic instruments offer high precision surgery which means we can now offer more keyhole surgeries for patients with cancer or suspected cancer, providing a speedier recovery for these patients and less risk of complications.
“We can also offer surgery to patients who would previously not have been able to have traditional open or laparoscopic procedures due to co-existing medical conditions. Using robotic-assisted surgery means that in some cases we can now offer curative surgery rather than refer them for radiotherapy treatment.
“We have also started providing day case hysterectomy procedures where patients are able to go home the same day as their surgery if clinically appropriate.
“As a surgical team, we are thrilled to see how much robotic-assisted surgery has benefited patients in Tayside. It has allowed us to transform how we provide care for patients and we hope this will translate to better outcomes for people with complex medical or surgical needs in Tayside.”
Alison Thomson from Crieff was the 1001st patient to be treated by the robotic-assisted surgical service, and is now recovering at home after her one-night stay in hospital. Alison had her operation to remove a fibroid with atypical changes and a hysterectomy procedure. The complex procedure was also carried out by Dr Ragupathy.
“I was initially told that I would have to get open surgery but then I received a call to say that I could be offered the robotic-assisted surgery,” Alison said. “I was a wee bit nervous at first but Dr Ragupathy really put me at ease. She was very good at explaining what would happen and I couldn’t be more pleased at how it has gone. The robot assists the expertise of the surgical team so I knew I was in good hands.
“The experience was very fast and very efficient, and the recovery time is less than it would have been for an open surgery. I’m very grateful to Dr Ragupathy and the whole team, they have really looked after me and have really made an effort to find the best way for me to have the best outcome.
“It is a great honour to have been the 1001st patient. I am very relieved to have had the surgery and I’m so appreciative of the NHS and Ninewells.”