The UK’s largest robotic-assisted surgery training centre has now been officially opened. This achievement represents the summit of an important tripartite evolution in medical education and surgical technology. The Data Hub is based in Reading, at Winnersh Triangle. Its aim is to increase the level of proficiency in robotic surgery for healthcare professionals across Europe.
At the heart of this training program is the da Vinci surgical system – the industry standard, popularly known for its role in keyhole surgeries. This treatment has been powerful enough to cure many advanced cancers, specifically many forms of oesophageal and gastric cancers. More than 200 hospitals in the UK and Ireland have implemented it. This game-changing technology has allowed surgeons to operate in a manner that have only done so for more than 300,000. This impact on patient care.
Further, NHS England has set an ambitious pledge to have robotic assistance in nine out of 10 keyhole procedures carried out by 2035. This ambitious plan recognizes the increasing roles that robotic systems play in today’s surgical workflows.
Gijs van Boxel is a Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal surgeon at Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital. His story takes on new significance now, as a key member of the fledgling MLS training centre. He also ascribed a critical role to the da Vinci system. This robot assistant, with its four robotic prongs, allows for extremely delicate and precise surgical maneuvers.
“It is referred to as robotic-assisted surgery but it is very much controlled by an experienced, qualified surgeon who manipulates the instruments using a different part of the machine to allow us to do the surgery,” – Gijs van Boxel
Surgeons from Montpellier, France, who are presently undergoing training in metabolic surgery. The cultural and educational exchanges go beyond Norway’s national borders, as arrivals come from different corners of Europe.
“Today, we’ve been training on metabolic surgery. We’ve got French surgeons visiting from Montpellier,” – Surgeon (name not provided)
The centre’s establishment signals a continued move in the direction of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field of robotic surgery.
“We’ve got people coming from all over Europe to Reading, to Winnersh Triangle, to help them gain proficiency in robotic surgery. So that’s a super exciting development and something to be proud of,” – Surgeon (name not provided)
On precision, the da Vinci system provides a level of precision that has changed the game in surgical outcomes.
“The precision permitted through this system has allowed better outcomes for our patients which is ultimately why we do this,” – Surgeon (name not provided)