The Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital in east Kent has taken a huge step forward in surgical technology. In fact, they are the first and only hospital to implement on a massive surgical robotic system. Mandy, who was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer, became the first patient in the nation to have surgery using this pioneering state-of-the-art robot. Thanks to surgery, her doctors say they were able to remove the majority of her bowel. By Sunday, she was home and improving every day.
The robotic system features four arms that a surgeon controls from a remote console. It first took flight inside the National Health Service (NHS) in London earlier this year. Surgeons operating with the robot enjoy a 3D view inside the patient’s body — giving them more precision on the surgical battlefield. This cutting-edge concept is designed to improve surgical results and promote faster recoveries.
Sudhaker Mangam, who performed the procedure, said robotic surgery will make a world of difference to patients in the area.
“This marks a major advancement in surgical capability for east Kent patients, enabling greater precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times.” – Sudhaker Mangam
Prior to the surgery, the surgical team was sure to provide Lee with an in-depth description of what to expect. They reassured her about the effectiveness of the robot and highlighted that the method would be less painful compared to more invasive surgeries. This reassurance helped alleviate her fears.
“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
Stanley Russell became the second patient to receive a robotic procedure at QEQM Hospital. He seconded LaHood’s expression of confidence in the new team, saying,
The robotic surgical system had previously produced successful outcomes in other regions of Europe before being rolled out in Kent. It’s hard to overstate how much implementation will change the surgical practices in the region. Patients stand to gain from savvy treatment breakthroughs that expedite recovery while minimizing pain.
“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
The robotic surgical system had already demonstrated successful results in other parts of Europe before being introduced in Kent. Its implementation is expected to revolutionize surgical practices in the region, providing patients with innovative treatment options that promote quicker recoveries and reduced discomfort.