The QEQM Hospital in East Kent just celebrated an incredibly exciting milestone! It conducted its first robotic surgeries, bringing cutting-edge technology to the region to improve patient care. Stanley Russell of Herne Bay was one of the pioneer patients to receive the new procedure. He shadowed Mandy Lee, who was the very first patient to be treated with this groundbreaking minimally invasive surgical technique.
Mandy Lee, who was later diagnosed with bowel cancer, had to have part of her bowel removed in the process during the operation on the Thursday. The surgery was performed using a new British-designed state-of-the-art robotic system, which was first adopted by the NHS in London at the beginning of 2023. Surgeon Sudhaker Mangam controls four robotic system arms from the console. This unique arrangement provides him with a 3D perspective within Lee’s anatomical environment.
Our medical team walked her through the process step-by-step. They promised her it would be much less painful than normal invasive surgery. They underscored that similar high-risk robotic procedures had already been successfully done in other parts of Europe. Throughout the process, Lee said she was comforted by the team’s communication and specialized knowledge.
“It was a bit of a scary thought, I hadn’t even considered the possibility of robotic surgery, but I just wanted the cancer gone and I wasn’t put off.” – Mandy Lee
Lee was released from the hospital on Sunday following her surgery and has said she felt stronger with each passing day. Stanley Russell, who preceded Lee as the second patient to have robotic surgery at QEQM, recalled having an amazing experience.
Consultant colorectal and general surgeon Sudhaker Mangam, who performed both procedures, championed the significance of this technological innovation.
“The team explained everything really well and said it would be less painful than going through more invasive surgery, so that made sense to me.” – Stanley Russell
With the introduction of robotic surgery, QEQM Hospital has taken a truly transformative step forward for healthcare in the entire region. Each day, more patients like Lee and Russell are learning firsthand how these benefits are paying off. The hospital has a strong philosophy of using innovative new technologies to change surgical practice.
“This marks a major advancement in surgical capability for east Kent patients, enabling greater precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times.” – Sudhaker Mangam
The introduction of robotic surgery at QEQM Hospital signifies a transformative step forward for healthcare in the region. As more patients like Lee and Russell experience these benefits, the hospital aims to continue integrating cutting-edge technology into its surgical practices.
