In a groundbreaking medical achievement, 62-year-old Paul Buxton became the first patient in the UK to undergo a robotic prostate surgery remotely as part of a trial. The robot-assisted operation, on February 11, was led with the use of the new cutting-edge Toumai Robotic System. Underwater telemanipulation Professor Prokar Dasgupta, one of the world’s foremost robotic urological surgeons, used this pioneering procedure to conduct surgery on a console in the UK. At the same time, the robotic system performed the operation on Buxton, a resident of Gibraltar for the last 40 years.
Buxton, who hails from Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, runs a transport company based in Gibraltar. He encountered a terrible test when he learned he had prostate cancer. Making him travel all the way to London for his treatment would have piled even more stress and inconvenience onto his life. The advanced remote surgery was critical to ensuring this vital, lifesaving solution could be found. It allowed him access to a potentially life-saving medical trial.
An advanced underground link using fibre-optic cables was crucial. In order to create ultra-reliable low latency communication between the surgeon and the surgical robotic system, a backup 5G connection joined the primary connection. Buxton expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the trial, stating, “A lot of people actually said to me: ‘You’re not going to do it, are you?’… I thought, I’m giving something back here.”
After the surgery, Buxton stated that he felt “fantastic” and was “very well looked after” during his time in London. His overwhelmingly successful experience demonstrates the life-saving potential and incredible humanitarian benefits of remote surgical technology. Ultimately, it helps to improve patient care and reduce the overall travel burden.
Internationally renowned surgical innovator, Professor Prokar Dasgupta, highlighted the importance of this game-changing surgery. As a pioneer in robotic surgery, he believes that such innovations could transform prostate cancer treatment and other medical procedures in the future.
Remote surgeries like Buxton’s are currently limited to test phases but hold potential for greater use in the future, extending beyond the realm of urology. The success of this operation could pave the way for similar procedures, allowing patients access to expert care without geographic barriers.