FRIDAY, 28 APRIL, 2023

Photograph attached: (l-r) Patient Bishop Stephen Robson with consultant urology surgeon, Professor Ghulam Nabi and urology specialist nurse Vikki Don

Expansion of Tayside robotic surgery brings benefits to more cancer patients

Prostate cancer patients in Tayside are benefiting from the expansion of NHS Tayside’s robotic assisted surgical service.

NHS Tayside’s robotic assisted surgical service first began operating on patients at the end of 2021 and, since then, has expanded significantly. Robotic assisted service surgical teams at Ninewells have carried out 400 operations, delivering the most cases in Scotland in the first quarter of the year on a single multi-specialty robot.

Surgeons and their multi-disciplinary teams have carried out complex procedures in colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, urology, gynaecology and ear nose and throat specialities.

Robotic surgery is having a significant impact in the treatment and post operative recovery of patients with prostate cancer which has resulted in patients having a shorter stay in hospital. Under the expert care of consultant urology surgeon Professor Ghulam Nabi the majority of patients with cancer of the prostate are now having robotic assisted surgical operations.

Professor Nabi carries out robotic assisted radical prostatectomies, using the robot’s advanced surgical system and the three-dimensional endoscope and image processing equipment provides a magnified view of nerves and blood vessels surrounding the prostate gland enabling the best outcome for the preservation of these vital structures.

Professor Nabi said, “Robotic surgery is the least invasive surgical treatment option available today and this surgical option is now very much embedded in the treatment of urology patients. It really is an innovative step up from laparoscopic surgery.

“The benefits of using precision instruments and keyhole surgical techniques for patients are evidenced in reduced blood loss and time spent recovering in hospital. Patients who have had robotic surgery for prostatectomies are generally able to be discharged the next day. This dramatic reduction in hospital stay is having a positive impact on waiting times as it means more patients than ever can be treated.

“Robotics surgery has allowed a 33% increase in productivity on urology operating lists, meaning more operations being delivered in the same theatre time.

“This has allowed the urology service to better meet the 31 days waiting time target for surgery. The Urology team has recently been able to improve surgical treatment times for prostate cancer surgery as a result.”

Urology patient retired Bishop Stephen Robson from Dundee recently had surgery for prostate cancer and is continuing his recovery at home. He was keen to share his experience of robotic surgery and the difference it has made to his ongoing recovery.

Bishop Robson said, “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer after having had little or no symptoms. After discussions with Professor Nabi it was agreed that my procedure would be carried out using robotic-assisted surgery.

“I had absolutely no qualms about the surgery as it was fully explained to me and I felt very reassured that it was being carried out using such high-tech equipment under the expert control of Professor Nabi.

“For me the major benefit of robotic surgery was how quickly I was able to go home. I was amazed that I was home the next day after my operation which is down to the skill of Professor Nabi and the fantastic nursing team who helped look after me.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has been involved in my care and treatment. At each stage of my cancer journey I have been treated with the utmost respect and kindness.”

Background:

Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) is being used across a range of surgical specialties, including colorectal, gynaecology, ear nose and throat and urology. RAS technology enables some procedures which would have previously required open surgery to be carried laparoscopically.

In the operating theatre experienced laparoscopic surgeons sit at the console and manipulate the four arms on the robotic cart which are attached to the patient.The robot, using precision instruments, mimics a surgeons’ hand movements enabling a surgeon to operate in hard-to-reach areas of the body. It makes much smaller incisions allowing small intricate procedures when removing tumours and organs is required.

Patients then benefit from reduced hospital stay and quicker recovery, reduced pain, reduced complications and reduced blood loss.

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138