In a UK first, a patient – 62-year-old Paul Buxton – became the first in the world to undergo a completely remote robotic prostate operation. This novel intervention was originally conceived as a healthy community design experiment. The surgery took place on February 11 and was executed by Professor Prokar Dasgupta, a prominent urological surgeon specializing in robotic procedures. This cutting-edge procedure was accomplished with the use of the Toumai Robotic System. Remarkably, Buxton was able to pull it off from over 1,500 miles away while based in Gibraltar.
Buxton, who is from Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, was given the heartbreaking news that he has prostate cancer just after Christmas. Faced with the possibility of having to visit London for surgery, he was left to consider the months-long waiting list that the NHS operates on. Then the advent of telesurgery presented him with a different option altogether. It not only saved him the trip, but allowed him to participate in the most innovative medical research.
For his part, Professor Dasgupta was excited to have the opportunity, enthusing, “I think it is very, very exciting. He highlighted the incredible humanitarian impact this surgical innovation might have.
The operation’s remote nature is a testament to where medical technology is advancing. Buxton experienced profound relief and gratitude to the team of surgeons involved in his care. He said that he was “very well looked after” and was “feeling fantastic” following the surgery.
Looking back on his decision to take part in the trial, Buxton explained, “If I hadn’t gone for the telesurgery in Gibraltar, I would have had to fly to London instead. That would involve waiting on the NHS list, having the procedure, and probably three weeks living in the city.” So I thought: ‘This is a no-brainer’.
40 years ago, Buxton moved to Gibraltar and established the Gibraltarian Transport Company. His experience is a powerful example of how remote, specialized surgeries save lives and improve access to quality care.
With this successful operation, Professor Dasgupta and his team have set a new precedent that could reshape how surgeries are performed across vast distances in the future.