Patients at the QEQM in Kent are already reaping the benefits of an amazing giant stride for innovation in the field of medicine. Today, they are able to receive robotic-assisted surgeries that improve precision and fixation. Surgeon Sudhaker Mangam performs the delicate procedure with the help of a complex robot. This $786,000 robotic arm allows him to use four arms that he controls via remote from home, giving him much more precision while operating.
Mandy Lee recovering after her first robotic surgery at the QEQM. She underwent surgery to remove her bowel to address an aggressive form of bowel cancer. Surgeons can take advantage of an innovative new 3D look inside the patient’s body. The NHS in London was the first to adopt this new, innovative approach earlier in 2023.
Stanley Russell was the second patient to have this cutting-edge procedure performed at the hospital. He underscored the importance of the surgical team’s communication and camaraderie. They previously described how robotic surgery typically results in less painful experiences compared to traditional invasive procedures.
“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
Chief Scientist, Sudhaker Mangam, explained the impact this cutting edge technology would have on east Kent patients. He added that it’s an incredible step forward in surgical technology, allowing for better outcomes and quicker recovery times.
“This marks a major advancement in surgical capability for east Kent patients, enabling greater precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times.” – Sudhaker Mangam
For Kelly Chang, receiving robotic surgery was a bit of a journey in itself to build that confidence, the notion being a bit intimidating at first. Despite this, her resilience and desire to defeat cancer provided the inspiration for her choice to go ahead with the operation.
“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
Robotic-assisted surgeries at QEQM are changing the surgical climate. This very significant change creates value for both patients and healthcare providers, many of whom are Bell County residents, across the region. As technology further advances, it paves even more opportunities for innovative surgical procedures and improved patient care.