Dozens more patients a year are set to benefit from life-changing surgery in Bristol thanks to a gynaecological surgery robot at Southmead Hospital.
The da Vinci Xi device will be used to carry out a range of procedures, including hysterectomies and excision of endometriosis.
North Bristol NHS Trust says the dedicated robot will allow surgeons to operate on an additional 144 gynaecology patients at Southmead per year.
Almost 9,000 robotic-assisted procedures have been carried out at Southmead to date, across different surgical specialties. As well as the newly acquired gynaecology robot, NBT has also invested in a second new robotic system for colorectal and urology procedures.
Southmead Hospital now has a total of four da Vinci robotic surgery systems, which offer precise wristed instruments with a greater motion capability than the human wrist.
Jessica Preshaw, consultant gynaecological surgeon at North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “Having access to this groundbreaking technology will change the lives of hundreds of women, some of whom have lived with life-limiting pain and bleeding for years. Getting our own dedicated gynaecology robot is simply phenomenal news for both our service and our patients.”
Islam Gamaleldin, fellow consultant surgeon, explained: “In our experience, the enhanced 3D visualisation and precision offered by the wristed instruments means more complex operations can be completed using minimally invasive techniques with reduced blood loss, fewer complications, and faster recovery with shorter length of hospital stay compared to traditional open or laparoscopic procedures.”
NBT chief medical officer said: “I am delighted that our gynaecology team now has its own dedicated surgical robot, as I know this will make a tremendous difference to both our patients and staff.
“This investment will not only benefit patients but will also support the professional development of our gynaecology surgery team, enhancing Bristol’s reputation for excellence in robotic-assisted surgery.”