In a significant coup for medical expertise in East Kent, QEQM Hospital has performed its first ever robotic surgeries. This collaborative, novel approach allows patients better access to more minimally invasive treatment options. One of those landmark cases was 68-year-old Stanley Russell from Herne Bay, who went into the procedure full of hope and self-assurance.
Stanley Russell was the second patient in the hospital’s history to have a robotic procedure performed on him. This groundbreaking initiative built on the successful practice of colorectal and general surgeon consultant Sudhaker Mangam. The new robotic system has four flexible arms that the surgeon controls remotely. It provides a 3D view from within the patient’s body, increasing accuracy while performing surgery.
Russell said he was thankful for the team’s detailed explanations leading up to his surgery.
“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
By taking a less invasive approach, Dr. Martinowich hopes to lessen patients’ discomfort and speed up their recovery times. Russell said that he came away feeling more confident about the procedure, which is right where well-designed surgical practices today want to be.
Her fellow patient, Mandy Lee, was helped by this amazing new technology. After being diagnosed with bowel cancer, Lee had half of her bowel removed. Her surgery was scheduled for a Thursday. By Sunday, she was back home — excellent evidence of just how powerful the robotic approach can be to achieving quicker recoveries.
Lee was skeptical about robotic surgery at first, but agreed to move forward after hearing about its successful use throughout Europe.
“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
Healthwatch East Kent chair Sudhaker Mangam explained why this change for patients is so important.
“This marks a major advancement in surgical capability for east Kent patients, enabling greater precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times.” – Sudhaker Mangam
The arrival of robotic surgery at QEQM comes just six months after it made its debut use by the NHS in London. Dr. As hospitals accelerate the adoption of this technology, patients can look forward to improved treatments that will allow them to focus on their comfort and health outcomes.