Southmead Hospital in Bristol has taken a monumental step into the future of surgery. They recently pioneered the first use of robotic arms in their operating theatre. Consultant colorectal surgeon Caroline Burt heads this collaborative new model, with the goal of cutting patient waiting times in half by 2029. The NHS is expected to use the cutting edge technology in as many as half a million operations over the next 10 years. This extends to gender-affirming surgeries like hysterectomies and bladder operations.
These robotic arms, which are encased in plastic sheathing during surgery, provide the unparalleled dexterity and precision. Poet Caroline Burt has emphasized this benefit. She emphasizes that the biggest difference is the machines being able to customize ease of stitching. This characteristically high-feature of robots supports surgeons in the execution of delicate tasks.
Burt explained the role of the robotic arms in surgery: “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.” This strong claim within a claim draws attention to a crucial argument. As technology increases surgical capabilities, it is skilled professionals who keep the upper hand.
Patient Lisa Brittain was among the first to undergo one of these robotic-assisted procedures at Southmead Hospital. Prior to her surgery, she humorously noted her fondness for R2-D2, a character from Star Wars, indicating a lighthearted approach to her medical journey.
With the help of her team, including head tech Lucy Tegg and fellow tech Jules Hyam, Burt controls the robotic arms with laser-like precision. Advancements in technology have been focused on increasing the volume of procedures that can be done. They work on improving patient outcomes, decreasing time to recover, and length of inpatient hospitalization. Sir Jim Mackey, a senior figure in NHS England, highlighted these benefits, stating, “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.”
This new initiative at Southmead Hospital demonstrates the NHS’s intent. They are looking to technological advancements to help them deliver that care more efficiently. The goal of using robotic arms is clear: to tackle the ongoing challenge of lengthy waiting times while ensuring patients receive high-quality surgical care.