A multi-million pound investment in robotic surgery is set to transform the provision of cancer care at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (DBTH).
The robot is expected to arrive early in the next financial year with its initial focus being colorectal cancer.
DBTH says a member of the colorectal team already has the necessary training to use the technology and three more surgeons are set to start training next month. All four will be able to operate the robot on their own within the next six months.
The robot is used in two parts – the first being a console with a 3D display and the second being the surgical arms and 3D camera.
The latter goes inside the patient and is operated by a surgeon using advanced instruments that are controlled by a person’s index finger and thumb.
The trust’s Doncaster Royal Infirmary hosted a demonstration of the da Vinci Xi surgical robot recently.
Colorectal consultant surgeon at DBTH, Antonia Durham-Hall, said: “The introduction of robotic surgery promises faster recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and diminished likelihood of resorting to open surgery.”
The robot signals a “new era” for the trust’s colorectal patients, according to Durham-Hall, with the need to continue to evolve new treatment methods being “imperative”.
The move has been made possible by a £3.6m investment from the trust’s charity.
Chair of DBTH’s board, Suzy Brain England OBE, extended her “heartfelt gratitude” to the Doncaster Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity.
She said: “Your unwavering dedication and generosity have played a pivotal role in funding transformative innovations like the surgical robot, which significantly enhance the quality of care we provide to our local community.”
Image credit: iStock
