A patient who underwent major surgery for prostate cancer at the Royal United Hospital in Bath was discharged the same day, thanks to the use of a specialist surgical robot.
Ayman Ali with the Da Vinci surgical robot | Photo © RUH
67-year-old Eddie Harvey had a successful robotic radical prostatectomy before returning home to Corsham, only the second time a patient at the RUH has been able to have this type of surgery and go home on the same day.
A radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue to treat prostate cancer. It’s the primary treatment for prostate cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the prostate.
The procedure was carried out by a surgical team using the hospital’s Da Vinci surgical robot, which has been funded by the hospital’s charity, RUHX, thanks to the generosity of their supporters.
The robot helps RUH surgeons to operate on patients with even greater precision, and perform complex procedures with minimal access, while ensuring the highest levels of patient safety.
Eddie said: “I was referred to the RUH by my GP after a check-up, and an MRI scan at the hospital showed there was suspicion of cancer in my prostate.
“I then had prostate biopsies which confirmed it. Within a couple of weeks I was having the surgery. Everything moved really quickly, I was so impressed.
“I arrived at hospital at 7am on the morning of the operation and was back home later that night. I was a bit surprised but delighted that I could be back home in my own bed that same day.
“There was no pressure on me to go home that day, but I felt good and had complete trust in the surgeon who I knew wouldn’t have let me leave if he didn’t think I was ready to.
“I know that being discharged on the same day for this kind of surgery isn’t going to be possible for everyone, but for those who are eligible it’s fantastic.
“I can’t speak highly enough about my surgeon and everyone I came into contact with at the RUH. Everyone was brilliant and so supportive.
“My advice to men would be to get yourself examined by your GP, especially as symptoms for prostate cancer can develop slowly, so you may not see any noticeable symptoms for many years.”
Ayman Ali, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, who led the surgery, said: “This really is a fantastic achievement for the RUH and will hopefully be the start of many similar operations where patients can now return home the same day.
“This is now possible due to the use of the robot, which provides better precision and accuracy which also enhances recovery times too.
“While same day discharge will not be suitable for all patients, we know that being at home can aid patient recovery and lead to better outcomes for the people we care for.
“It builds on the success of establishment the robotic radical prostatectomy service in late 2023 at the RUH, which I have had the privilege of introducing and leading. Over 130 patients have. now successfully had this surgery, delivering excellent outcomes for the people we care for.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to our dedicated surgical and anaesthetic team, nursing staff in our Day Surgery Unit, and Urology specialist nurses who have made this milestone possible.
“This accomplishment is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional patient-centered care.”
The surgical robot is now used in a range of surgeries at the RUH, including gynaecology oncology and colorectal operations.
