Robots perfect precise science at hospital (From Oxford Mail)

Robots perfect precise science at hospital

6:53pm Wednesday 25th November 2009

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A ROBOT surgeon is set to carry out operations on hundreds of cancer patients at an Oxford hospital.

A £2m robotic surgery system has been installed in an operating theatre at the new Oxford Cancer Centre and will be used for patients undergoing keyhole surgery to remove certain types of cancer.

Four robotic arms are controlled by surgeons sitting away from the patient at two consoles, from where they can remove organs through incisions and undertake other surgical procedures.

Prof Freddie Hamdy, the Nuffield Professor of Surgery at Oxford University, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to obtain the latest surgical robot for Oxford. This is a really exciting development. This is the future of where modern surgery is going.

“These robotic systems are revolutionising the way surgery is carried out, offering astonishing precision. Because there is such a high level of control and the keyhole surgery is now so precise, it is minimally invasive meaning the recovery time for the patient is quicker.”

Patients undergoing surgery for prostate cancer, for example, can expect the length of their hospital stay to be cut from five days to 24 hours, substantially reducing NHS costs in the long term.

Prof Hamdy expects the robot surgeon to be used for two or three procedures daily.

The robotic arms are far more precise than the hands of even the most experienced surgeon, and less invasive surgery means less blood loss.

The new instrument will initially be used in some prostate and renal cancer operations, with surgeons aiming to expand its use to other cancers and gynaecological surgery. The Oxford equipment will be the most advanced in the UK and, because it features two consoles, is the only one of its kind in the UK.

This allows two surgeons with different levels of expertise to work together, and offers training opportunities.

The system scales down the precise hand movements of the surgeon on the console’s fingertip controls, and transmits them to the robotic arms.

Prof Hamdy said: “There is always the possibility of fine tremor when a surgeon operates. This eliminates that, and with the improved vision it could become safer than conventional surgery, with reduced risks for the patient.”

The equipment also lets surgeons sit comfortably, rather than standing for hours, during complicated procedures.

news@oxfordmail.co.uk

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