Nicholas Penney, a newly qualified consultant surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), has pulled off an unprecedented double. He made history by successfully using robotic technology to do an oesophagectomy on a patient with oesophageal cancer. The 12-hour operation juxtaposed futuristic robotics with old-school surgical finesse. Thanks to this unique collaborative model, the patient Nick Samiotis had a happy ending.
Samiotis, 54, of Norfolk, received an unexpected cancer diagnosis weeks before his 55th birthday in August of 2025. He had always lived quite healthily, never smoking or drinking excessively. A tumor caught him off guard. He underwent chemotherapy before the surgery to help reduce the tumor. He referred to it as a “life or death” scenario.
Throughout the complex procedure, Dr. Penney nimbly navigated a robotic system to enhance precision and reduce recovery time. From one corner of the operating room, he manipulated it from a 3D console. Even though he had been trained in robotics, there were still places where Penney had to manually make incisions. He emphasized the advantages of this method, stating, “It’s a lot less trauma to the body so your recovery period is much reduced.”
Samiotis thanked the pioneering technology that helped him beat a life-threatening injury and comeback with an unprecedented recovery time. He noted that with regular open surgery, he would have had a three-week hospital stay. He’d have to spend a longer recovery time after that. Instead, he told us, rather than a 40-inch zipper, he came out of surgery with 15 little keyhole scars.
“My family are massively relieved I’ve come through the operation and I’m standing 10 days later,” Samiotis said. And he demonstrated his grit immediately by preparing to take a long-awaited first walk dog walking as soon as he got out of the hospital.
“I feel quite amazing… as soon as I’ve finished here, I’m off to take the dog for a walk!” – Nick Samiotis
His daughter, Tabitha, was initially worried about robotic surgery but soon realized how skilled the surgical team was. She pointed out how confident she felt in the medical professionals working on her and marveled at the fast-evolving technology used in surgeries today.
“I remember talking to the nurse and they told me that three years ago this surgery wouldn’t even have happened,” Tabitha remarked. “But in the end, you just have to trust the professionals.”
Dr. Penney echoed the importance of such advancements in surgical practices. He noted that robotic surgery is “fast becoming the future of surgical practice” due to its precision and minimal invasiveness.
Samiotis distributing his protein powder drink, which is part of his new regimen of liquid and soft foods following surgery. He’s determined to continue on his health journey and remains hopeful. This whole-person, non-pharmacological approach quickly alleviated his acute pain. It also provided him with an opportunity for improved long-term recovery with less complications.