Surgeon Nicholas Penney recently showcased the capabilities of robotic surgery during a groundbreaking 12-hour oesophagectomy at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH). Surgeons carried out this procedure utilizing a Da Vinci robot. This advanced surgical instrument is the gold standard for precision but still requires significant manual hand ties.
During the procedure, Penney controlled the robot from a 3D console in the corner of the room. The cutting-edge technology allowed him to manipulate surgical tools connected to the robot. Making Connections Each instrument has a fixed cost of around £200 and intended life of ten uses at most. The robot is equipped with a brand new 3D visor that completely surrounds Penney’s head. Click to enlarge This design gives him a unique view of the surgical site.
NNUH has established itself as the largest provider of multi-speciality robotic surgery at a single site in the East of England. Before expanding its robotic repertoire, a quarter of all oesophagectomies at the hospital leveraged robotic assistance. A £2.8 million donation to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity from an anonymous donor provided the funds for this expansion. Additionally, it funded the installation and acquisition of two new robots. The hospital is now fundraising for a fifth robot, which would enrich its capacity and support paediatric procedures.
Penney highlighted the positive impact robotic-assisted surgery has on patients. He suggested that this method results in “much less pain” and provides “greater precision, with fewer adverse effects.” He further noted that patients often experience much quicker recoveries. This rapid replacement allows them to get back to their day-to-day lives much faster.
“It’s a lot less trauma to the body so your recovery period is much reduced,” – Surgeon Nicholas Penney.
James Hernon, associate clinical director at NNUH, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that robotic-assisted surgery is “fast becoming the future of surgical practice.” This transition to personalized and precision technology in medicine is expected to have a positive impact on the patient experience and increase efficiency in surgical procedures.
The warm reception of robotic surgery success at NNUH by patients has added to that sentiment. Nick Samiotis, who underwent the procedure, expressed his satisfaction with the experience, stating, “I feel quite amazing… as soon as I’ve finished here, I’m off to take the dog for a walk!”
He used the opportunity to look back on worrying before the surgery, calming himself with the reminder that his fears were unwarranted.
“I would tell my past self not to worry,” – Nick Samiotis.