The first patient to benefit from the RUH’s first Da Vinci surgical robot has praised its introduction, which enables people to recover from operations more quickly.
Suzanne was the first patient to benefit from robotic surgery at the RUH | Photo courtesy of RUHX
Back in May, the robot was introduced in the hospital’s theatres thanks to the ongoing fundraising efforts by RUHX charity supporters.
Its arrival ushered in a new age at the hospital, supporting more than 400 complex surgical operations, saving time, resources and lives in one instant.
On 13th June, the first-ever robotics surgery at the RUH was carried out by Colorectal surgeon Dr Marc Bullock.
The patient, Suzanne, who was back at the golf course only a week after the operation, has shared her experience of the ground-breaking new equipment.
Suzanne said: “I was delighted to be told I was going to be the first patient ever to have received robotic surgery at the RUH.
“It meant I could have my operation a lot quicker than what was being offered via the traditional route of open surgery.
“My mother died of bowel cancer, so I was feeling very anxious before meeting with Marc who reassured me completely.
“He went through all the benefits of robotic surgery vs open surgery and explained to me how he would use the robot in my operation. I felt very comfortable with what was going to happen.
“I definitely felt less trauma than I would have done had this procedure been carried out the more traditional way. Obviously, I was a bit restricted in terms of movement but there wasn’t really any pain.
“My recovery has been excellent, I had my operation on the Tuesday morning, and I was back home by Friday evening, just three days later. I couldn’t believe it.”
Surgeon Marc Bullock said: “In June, we successfully launched the robotics program for Colorectal and General surgery and have now completed 10 cases with great success.
“My patients will really benefit from the precision and dexterity of robotic surgery with the DaVinci Xi. We anticipate this will translate into quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.”
Since Suzanne’s operation, other surgical specialities followed suit in July, launching their own programs in Urology and Gynaecologic Oncology robotic surgery.
The Da Vinci surgical robot was purchased by RUHX with a majority of the funding secured.
By doing this, the charity secured savings and benefits worth £490,000.
In order to cover the remaining cost of the robot, RUHX is seeking donations from anyone who’d like to help change patients’ lives for the better. You can donate to the charity here.
