Surgeons at NNUH recently made medical history with their first oesophagectomy using state-of-the-art robotic surgery techniques. This pioneering procedure is testament to NNUH’s commitment to increasing surgical provision. They really want to be the largest provider of multi-specialty robotic surgery at a single site in the East of England. The hospital’s investment in new Da Vinci robots has significantly enhanced its surgical offerings, making complex procedures more efficient and less invasive.
Surgeon Nicholas Penney, who recently performed the complex surgery. In a subdued tone, he directed the robotic system with dexterity from a three-dimensional console tucked in the corner of the OR’s circular space. The console is equipped with a 3D visor featuring the Da Vinci logo. This visor, developed by Magic Leap, helps Penney get a magnified, 3D view of the surgical field. His fingers dance over controls that replicate his hand movements, which provide the ability for greater precision and more minutiae in the cadaver surgery.
Unfortunately, each instrument strapped to the robot is about £200 each. You can only run it ten times before it breaks. Penney, though a world expert in robotics, performed manual incisions throughout the 12-hour operation. This nice, clear example illustrates the harmony between robotic support and old world craftsmanship.
James Hernon, NNUH’s associate clinical director, emphasized the significance of this technological advancement, stating that robotic-assisted surgery is “fast becoming the future of surgical practice.” He recounted the impact of highlighting the advantages of this approach. It leads to “so much less pain”—to patients as well as the improved precision and comes with fewer complications.
Nick Samiotis, one of the first patients to receive surgery using the robotic technology, said the experience was the best case scenario for him. He recalled his recovery as being incredibly fast, even getting him back to walking his dog just nine days after surgery. Samiotis shared his thoughts on the surgery, stating, “I feel quite amazing… as soon as I’ve finished here, I’m off to take the dog for a walk!” He reflected on how much easier this method of surgery is compared to traditional approaches: “It’s a lot less trauma to the body so your recovery period is much reduced or else you would have a big old, ugly scar down the side… it heals up a lot faster.”
Samiotis’ daughter pictured above, right called to say how relieved and confident she is in the medical team. “I remember talking to the nurse and they told me that three years ago this surgery wouldn’t even have happened, but in the end, you just have to trust the professionals,” she said. She added, “You’ve got to be positive; he’s a fighter.”
Prior to increasing its robotic surgery capabilities, 25% of all oesophagectomies conducted at NNUH were carried out with robotic assistance. Our local charity, the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, just got a tremendous boost of £2.8 million. This funding allowed the hospital to purchase two additional robots. The hospital is currently working to secure funds for a fifth robot. This new addition will greatly improve its services and be more supportive to paediatric procedures.