University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is set to revolutionize surgical procedures at the Royal Stoke University Hospital by introducing cutting-edge robotic surgery technology. This new initiative, outlined below, by Royal Stoke places them at the forefront of UK’s hospitals using cutting-edge technology. Surgeons are able to experience real-time tissue resistance that enhances the precision and effectiveness of their surgeries.
The high tech plan will see all major keyhole surgeries at Royal Stoke become robotic-assisted. Some of this change will happen organically over the next ten years. It’s no surprise then, that in the next decade, 90% of all keyhole surgeries will be done with the help of these robotic systems. This change is intended to make surgical steps more efficient. It equally improves patient outcomes and reinforces Royal Stoke as a center of excellence for robotic surgery.
Back in October, Royal Stoke was in the news for a different reason. It was the first hospital in England to start using the revolutionary “Magic Leap” surgical system. This groundbreaking platform enables surgeons to visualize complex, high-definition 3D images of the patient’s spinal anatomy in real time during procedures. It dramatically increases surgical precision. Its introduction should see it helping over 1,000 patients a year at Royal Stoke, allowing those patients to receive their care quicker and closer to home.
Robotic surgery is expected to help with more complicated procedures like emergency and heart surgeries. Recently, the NHS estimated that robotic-assisted surgeries could facilitate around 500,000 operations per year before 2035. This year, more than 70,000 procedures have been completed with the help of robotic technology.
The expansion of robotic surgery at Royal Stoke is forecast to make equally sizable demands on healthcare resources. Estimates show this expansion saving about 3,000 bed days annually. If this continues, projections show that number could increase to at least 5,000 bed days per year. This newfound efficiency will give hospitals the opportunity to reallocate valuable resources to other areas of patient care.
Consultant colorectal surgeon Philip Varghese emphasizes the importance of this advancement:
“This expansion significantly strengthens our ability to deliver robotic surgery across a wider range of complex procedures.” – Philip Varghese, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon
The investment in robotic surgery technology is part of the foundation’s long-standing local community commitment to improve people’s lives and build stronger communities. Coates, a representative of the foundation, stated:
“Supporting projects that make a lasting difference to local communities remains a core focus of the foundation.” – Coates
He further added:
“This investment will allow more patients across the region to benefit from world-leading surgical care closer to home.” – Coates
