Robotic surgery tech to help cut West Hertfordshire waiting lists

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is using robotic surgery technology with the aim of speeding up recovery from cancer surgery, increasing the number of operations available, and cutting waiting lists.

The Intuitive DV5 platform is designed to minimise tissue damage from surgery by allowing surgeons to feel more resistance as they operate and apply significantly less force than previous models.

The increased precision is intended to reduce tissue trauma and complications, meaning patients should recover faster from their operations.

Dr Vanash Patel, a colorectal surgeon and leader of the trust’s robotic programme, said: “What patients care most about is when they’ll be able to get back to normal after surgery.

“The fatigue and tiredness from an operation can last up to two months in some cases, and that creates uncertainty and stress for many patients who worry about when they can get back to work and effectively restart their lives again.

“This new system will support faster patient recovery, increase the number of operations we carry out and lead to fewer complications.”

The trust says some patients can go home within 24 hours after complex surgery for conditions like bowel cancer – and are then monitored remotely through the trust’s Virtual Hospital using wearable technology to monitor their health.

The system will be used for bowel cancer, kidney cancer, gallbladder and hernia surgery. It offers a high-definition, 3D vision system that allows surgeons elsewhere in the world to view an operation and offer specialist guidance and expertise in a particularly rare or complex case.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the DV5 robot at Watford General will free up an existing system to be moved to St Albans City Hospital to treat day cases such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals.

Dr Patel added: “We’re proud to have created a centre of excellence in robotic surgery and have welcomed surgeons from all over Europe, the US and India to see what we do here at West Herts.

“The technology is vital but is only one part of the story. Our focus has been on training, upskilling and culture change – so we’re working in a joined-up way across divisions to help our patients get home and recover as fast as possible.”