Surgeons in London are using the latest robotic technology to speed up waiting lists and reduce post-op complications.
They have performed 1,000 cases of robotic-assisted surgery in just over two years at King’s College Hospital in London, helping ensure patients are treated without delay and recover more quickly than with open or laparoscopic surgery.
Sasindran Ramar, consultant bariatric, metabolic, and general surgeon at King’s, who has performed 300 cases in just over 18 months, discussed the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery for both surgeons performing the procedure and patients receiving care.
He said: ‘Using the robot has been a game-changer for me as a surgeon. The 3D immersive view and super magnification (nine times the magnification of laparoscopic surgery) allow for greater precision when performing a procedure. The platform we use shows us where tiny nerves and vessels are located, reducing the risk of post-operative bleeding. And after the procedure, we can suture with even greater accuracy.’
Ramar, who mainly performs bariatric surgery, hernia repairs and gall bladder removals, added: ‘Before the introduction of the robot, I could carry out two cases per list in the time available, but this has increased to four or five since I’ve been using the robot. Particularly with obese patients, laparoscopic surgery has its challenges, including access, visualisation and instrument manipulation. But robotic surgery gives us better visualisation, more precise manoeuvrability and valuable feedback in real time as we carry out the procedure. Additionally, and crucially, my patients have been delighted with the reduced post-operative pain and quicker recovery times, meaning they can go home within 24 hours of their surgery.”
Amyn Haji, clinical director in surgery at King’s College Hospital, and chair of the Robotic Surgery Programme at King’s, said: ‘Performing our 1,000th robotic surgery is a significant milestone for us, and as a result, patients have benefited from faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, better outcomes and fewer complications. Mr Sasindran Ramar and his colleagues at King’s are pioneering new techniques that are transforming care, and we are grateful to King’s College Hospital Charity for making this possible. We now hope to provide more teams with access to robotic-assisted surgery so that even more patients can benefit from this world-leading technology.’
Iona Joy, Director of Grants and Insight at King’s College Hospital Charity, said “We are excited that robotic-assisted surgery at King’s is delivering multiple benefits for many patients, including faster recovery times and reduced pain post-surgery. Also, it is wonderful that it enables treatment for people with health conditions that would make operations impossible without this impressive technology.
“Contributing to groundbreaking equipment like the surgical robot at King’s is one of the ways in which the Charity seeks to transform care and treatment for patients.”
