Southmead Hospital is at the forefront of surgical innovation with the introduction of robotic-assisted procedures. The central figure in this exciting new initiative is consultant colorectal surgeon Caroline Burt. She explains that the highly advanced mahavir robotic arms are instrumental in the hospital’s mission of reducing patient waiting time to zero by 2029. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by NHS England to utilize robotic technology for up to half a million procedures over the next decade.
The robotic arms’ reach, dexterity and accuracy are unmatched. In fact, they enable surgeons to perform increasingly complicated procedures such as hysterectomies and bladder surgeries. Burt highlighted the importance of these developments, explaining how they allow for a more streamlined, efficient procedure. “Not only does it speed up the number of procedures the NHS can do, but it means better outcomes, a faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays for patients,” explained Sir Jim Mackey, CEO of NHS Improvement.
Burt continued to emphasize the accuracy provided by the robotic arms. She noted that the biggest “game changers” in surgical outcomes are their “insanely dextrous and accurate” capabilities. The technology gives her the freedom to change parameters that help make suturing success easier and more efficient during procedures.
Even with all this new technology, Burt wants patients and colleagues to know that human skill will always be the most important part of the operating room. “It’s 100% the surgeon doing the operation. Nothing moves without the main surgeon moving and dissecting, so there’s no automatic movements in it at all,” she stated, reinforcing the role of surgeons in the robotic-assisted process.
One patient to recently benefit from this cutting edge technology is Lisa Brittain, who had her surgery at Southmead Hospital. Prior to her procedure, she made everyone laugh by quipping that she had pictures of R2-D2, everyone’s favorite Star Wars character. This was successful in getting her nervous before the surgery to calm down. The sight of the plastic-sheathed robotic arms and medical staff standing beside her provided both reassurance and excitement about the future of surgical care.
As Southmead Hospital’s robotic technology journey continues, Burt and her team are always looking to improve patient care. The told us hospital could cut waiting times and improve outcomes for surgery patients. It’s on course to create an entirely new procedural standard throughout the NHS.
