Boost for patient care with new robotic technology

Innovative robotic surgery has arrived in Gateshead for the very first time with the local NHS Trust investing £2m in high-tech equipment that will enhance patient care.

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has purchased a DaVinci Xi surgical robot to be used at the Queen Elizabeth hospital by the gynae-oncology, upper GI (gastrointestinal) and colorectal surgical teams.

Benefits for patients

The benefits of robotic surgery include increased precision during the operation, leading to less pain, smaller scars and less time in hospital so patients can recover quicker.

During robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon sits at a special console in the operating theatre that provides a high-definition, 3D view inside the patient’s body. The system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments.

The consoles and a robotic arm that make up the high-tech DaVinci system
The consoles and a robotic arm that make up the high-tech DaVinci system

Consultant surgeon Mark Katory says: “Our surgical teams are incredibly excited about this new equipment which has the potential to transform many of our services, making the surgical process much better for patients. It helps make surgery less invasive which reduces the risk of complications and means that people could be back on their feet much faster after treatment.

“It will also help increase the number of people we are able to treat and provide a wide range of benefits to both patients and NHS staff.”

Yvonne Ormston, MBE, chief executive of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, adds: “After a difficult two years of the pandemic, we’re proud to introduce the very latest surgical technology as we focus on recovery for our surgical services, as well as our constant aim of providing the very best patient care and experience in Gateshead.

“Our investment in the DaVinci surgical robot will give our surgeons the very latest technology that will help them provide faster, safer and less invasive procedures to our patients. It’s a significant upgrade of our theatre equipment and reflects the ambition and determination of Gateshead to provide local people with a world-class health service.”