The Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) now deserves a big pat on the back. Local surgeons have already performed their first robotic surgeries, ushering in a new competitive era of patient care. Sixty-eight-year-old Mandy Lee was among the first patients to take advantage of such advanced technology. She had already had to have part of her bowel removed due to cancer, as well as Stanley Russell of Herne Bay.
On a Thursday, Lee underwent robotic-assisted surgery, with Consultant colorectal and general surgeon Sudhaker Mangam. The minimally invasive procedure involves the use of a highly specialized robot with four arms, which the surgeon maneuvers from a console. This cutting-edge technique provides surgeons with a captivating, three-dimensional view within the patient’s body, ensuring they can operate with increased precision.
Prior to her surgery, Lee was told by her doctor that other robotic procedures had gone smoothly in other areas of Europe. Afterward, she returned home that Sunday and has been improving daily since. Because the surgery is minimally invasive it’s less painful than traditional invasive methods. This benefit was central to her consideration in deciding to proceed.
“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
Russell, the second patient to have the procedure at QEQM, talked about his experience. Perhaps more importantly, he said the medical team did a great job in educating everyone on the benefits of robotic surgery.
The launch of robotic surgery at QEQM is a huge step forward for patients across east Kent. This technology expands the envelope of what a surgeon can safely accomplish, resulting in more patients achieving better outcomes and quicker recovery times,” said Mangam.
“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
As of 2023, the NHS has rolled out this robotic technology across London. Yet, its introduction into QEQM represents new and exciting possibilities to generic surgical treatment options across the region.
“This marks a major advancement in surgical capability for east Kent patients, enabling greater precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times.” – Sudhaker Mangam
The NHS first implemented this robotic technology in London in 2023, and its arrival at QEQM opens new possibilities for surgical treatment options in the region.