Surgeons at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) have successfully completed a pioneering oesophagectomy plunging the hospital at the forefront of robotic technology. The highly experimental surgery, which involved almost twelve hours of cutting-edge robotics, was performed on 54-year-old Nick Samiotis, who has been fighting esophageal cancer. She had a pretty intense operation that was an astounding 12 hours long! This milestone reaffirms NNUH’s reputation as the largest provider of multi-speciality robotic surgery in the East of England.
Though it was the Da Vinci robot that made the surgery possible, Kelly says that robot was overhyped. Surgeon Nicholas Penney was able to deftly manipulate its exacting motions from a 3D console in the corner of the operating room. Compared to traditional surgical techniques, this technology greatly minimizes surgical trauma, resulting in a faster recovery for patients. Each surgical instrument attached to the robot costs around £200 and has a shelf life of no more than ten uses.
Before she could have the operation, Samiotis was put through chemotherapy to shrink the tumour. The innovative robotic procedure did just that, with only 15 small keyhole scars remaining. This is an exciting development considering the larger incisions typically necessary for traditional surgeries. After the surgery, Samiotis will resume his chemotherapy. Initially, he’ll have to live on a liquid diet, then soft foods, as he gets used to having a smaller stomach.
NNUH has a strong commitment to enhancing provision of robotic surgery. They got a record boost with £2.8 million raised by the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, which paid for two largely new robots. The hospital is now raising money to purchase a fifth robot, which would allow them to extend support to paediatric procedures too.
Surgeon Nicholas Penney emphasized the advantages of robotic surgery. “It’s a lot less trauma to the body so your recovery period is much reduced.” He explained that the exceptional orthopedic know-how allows for less complexity and pain for patients.
Nick Samiotis expressed his satisfaction with the procedure, stating, “I feel quite amazing… as soon as I’ve finished here, I’m off to take the dog for a walk!” He remarked on the minimally invasive nature of the surgery: “You wouldn’t know I’d had an operation unless you were there.”
His daughter, Tabitha, writes of how much surgical technology has grown since Mr. Williams underwent surgery and shares her family’s experience coping with this difficult time. “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.
James Hernon, a representative from NNUH, noted that robotic surgery is “fast becoming the future of surgical practice.” He emphasized the need for sustained funding toward these kinds of technologies that enhance patient outcomes.
