Patients from across Tayside are continuing to benefit from the expansion of NHS Tayside’s robotic surgical service.
Since NHS Tayside’s robotic surgical service first began operating on patients last November, the service has continued to go from strength to strength. Surgeons and their multi-disciplinary teams have carried out complex procedures on 230 patients from colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, urology and gynaecology specialities and more recently, ear nose and throat.
The robot, using precision instruments, mimics a surgeons’ hand movements enabling a surgeon to operate in hard-to-reach areas of the body. It makes much smaller incisions allowing small intricate procedures when removing tumours and organs is required. Patients then benefit from reduced hospital stay and quicker recovery, reduced pain, reduced complications, reduced blood loss and ultimately, improved outcomes.
One of the first ear nose and throat patients in Tayside to be treated was patient Jill Ewart from Murthly who had treatment for a large benign mass in her throat which had the potential to restrict her airway.
Performing surgery in such a hard-to-reach area would previously have involved a gruelling and invasive operation with longer recovery time. However, surgeon Mr Manickavasgram was able to use the robot to carry out surgery to the affected area through Mrs Ewart’s mouth using the precision surgical instruments and the computerised 3D magnified images.
Mr Manikavasagram said, “Having the option to perform robotic assisted surgery for ear nose and throat patients is making a huge difference for patients in their treatment and most notably in their recovery pathway.
“The benefits of 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 surgery are usually able to go home any time between two and five days depending on the operation. Going forward, this exciting new innovative Trans-oral robotic surgery also provides best alternative treatment options for certain throat cancers.”
Now continuing her recovery at home, Mrs Ewart was keen to share her experience of having robotic surgery.
Mrs Ewart, said, “I feel very grateful that I was able to benefit from this new type of surgery at Ninewells Hospital. Having my operation performed using the robotic surgical procedure rather than conventional surgery has resulted in me having no external scars and that means no wounds to look after.
"The precision surgery to remove the large lump in my throat went smoothly and I am very happy with the outcome. I have, on the whole, experienced minimal discomfort and my recovery is progressing well.”
Photograph attached: Patient Jill Ewart with consultant ear nose and throat surgeon, Mr Jai Manickavasagram