MONDAY, 6 NOVEMBER, 2023

Photograph attached: Patient Alice Stewart with consultant gynaecologist Dr Kalpana Ragupathy

Over 500 cancer patients benefit from NHS Tayside Robotic Surgical Service

NHS Tayside’s robotic assisted surgical service is benefiting gynaecology patients with complex surgical needs.

NHS Tayside’s robotic surgical service has continued go from strength-to-strength since the service was first introduced in 2021. Surgeons and their multi-disciplinary teams have carried out complex procedures on over 500 patients from colorectal, urology and gynaecology and ear nose and throat specialities.

The robot is controlled by experienced highly trained laparoscopic surgeons who operate the device from within the theatre sitting adjacent to the patient. Using precision instruments, the robot mimics a surgeons’ hand movements enabling a surgeon to operate in hard-to-reach areas of the body. It makes small incisions allowing for complex procedures when removing tumours and organs is required.

Consultant gynaecologist, Dr Kalpana Ragupathy has completed around 150 gynaecological procedures using the robot since this service was introduced. She highlighted the positive impact of robotic assisted surgery for these patients explaining in more detail how this specialist surgical technique is benefiting patients.

Dr Ragupathy said, “When laparoscopic surgery was first introduced for women with gynaecological cancer there was a fundamental shift in post operative recovery for patients who had a much quicker recovery time than from conventional open surgery. Robot assisted surgery has taken laparoscopic surgery even further bringing more benefits for patients as they experience less pain, fewer complications and they are now able to resume day-to-day activities much earlier.

“3D vision and articulated instruments available on the robotic platform enables more radical procedures than before and hopefully this will translate to better survival outcomes for cancer patients with complex medical or surgical needs. Having a dedicated theatre team for robot procedures has further supported a seamless patient journey.

 “I am thankful that we are able to offer robotic assisted surgery for women with gynaecological cancer in Tayside. I feel fortunate to see such a big transformation of cancer care even within my 10-year tenure as a consultant.”

Alice Stewart from Montrose wanted to share her experience of having robotic assisted surgery. Alice, who is now recovering at home, had her operation to treat cancer of the womb carried out by Dr Ragupathy using robotic assisted surgery.

Speaking about her operation Alice said, “I was very apprehensive about having an operation as I had never had one before. However, Dr Ragupathy explained what would happen during my operation in great detail and this really helped to put me at ease. She described how robotic assisted surgery worked and that it was able to combine the precision of a robot with her skills and expertise as a surgeon.

“I want to thank Dr Ragupathy and her team for everything that they did to make my experience such a positive one. I can hardly believe I had my operation 24 hours ago and that I am able to continue my recovery at home with minimum discomfort. I know that this is down to the skill of Dr Ragupathy and the robotic assisted surgical service and I am very grateful.”

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138