Southmead Hospital in Bristol has been at the leading edge of that healthcare innovation success story. Take consultant colorectal surgeon Caroline Burt, who this month celebrated the milestone of performing their 10,000th robotic-assisted surgical procedure. This cutting-edge medical technology will greatly reduce the cost of delivering high quality patient care. It will cut down wait times and improve surgical results on a wide range of procedures.
The da Vinci robotic arms in the operating theatre at Southmead Hospital have dramatically changed surgical processes. They’ve allowed operations to be quicker and more exact. Caroline Burt highlighted the importance of these robotic tools, stating that they are “incredibly dextrous” and provide a “huge part” in the effort to shorten waiting times by 2029. She stressed their accuracy, pointing out that such equipment makes it possible for her to piece “a lot more effortlessly” than by hand gehen.
These robotic arms aren’t autonomous, they’re not performing surgery on their own – rather these robotic arms are directly controlled by surgeons. Burt clarified, “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 statement alludes to the ever-important function that trained medical professionals serve in not only keeping patients safe, but helping to facilitate the best possible outcome.
The technology is feared to have done extensive harm in a variety of common procedures, including hysterectomies and bladder surgeries. NHS England now hopes this number will reach at least half a million procedures over the next decade. This groundbreaking technology will provide the surgeons increased precision and better patient outcomes. That potential for smarter, more efficient operations is all the more critical as healthcare organizations work to meet patients’ rising expectations without breaking the bank.
Patient Lisa Brittain was one of those who experienced the full benefits of this cutting-edge technology during her recent procedure at Southmead Hospital. In the lead up to her surgery, she delightedly put her deep passion for all things popular culture on full display. For example, she showed pictures of R2-D2 from Star Wars, introducing a whimsical element to her clinical background.
Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS Improvement welcomed the use of robotic technology saying it should be routine and integrated in surgical practices. He stated, “We are using every tool at our disposal to ensure patients get the best possible treatment.” He further noted that the implementation of robotic-assisted surgery not only accelerates the number of procedures performed by the NHS but leads to “better outcomes, a faster recovery and shorter hospital stays for patients.”