Stanley Russell, a resident of Herne Bay, recently became the second patient to undergo robotic surgery at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate. Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon Sudhaker Mangam, who performed the procedure on a Thursday, performed the surgery to remove part of Russell’s bowel after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Russell was able to voice his concerns to start, though, and was calmed down by up to medical team. “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,” he stated. After the procedure he returned home on Sunday and was able to say that he’s feeling better each day.
The new robotic surgery is a groundbreaking addition to the surgical capability on offer to patients across East Kent. The system utilized in Russell’s operation features four arms that the surgeon operates remotely, providing a 3D view inside the patient’s body during the procedure. Increasing precision leads to better outcomes and quicker recovery times, thanks to the capabilities of this advanced technology.
Sudhaker Mangam underscored the significance of this technological breakthrough. “This marks a major advancement in surgical capability for east Kent patients, enabling greater precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times,” he remarked. London’s NHS trust was the first in the country to roll out the robotic procedure earlier this year. One that’s already proven successful across much of Europe.
Mandy Lee, another patient who has had the same robotic procedure, recalled her original 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,” she explained. Lee’s journey highlights the increasing acceptance and trust in robotic-assisted surgeries as innovative solutions for complex medical procedures.
As more patients like Stanley Russell benefit from these advancements, the medical community continues to explore the potential of robotic surgery to enhance patient care and recovery. The successful implementation of this technology at QEQM reflects a commitment to providing the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing surgical treatments.