We recently caught up with our patient Jean to discuss her experience of having robotic assisted surgery at Salford Royal and how it has helped her return to a normal routine.
Jean who is 79 years old was initially ill with what she thought was a urine infection but was later diagnosed with cancer and referred to the Urology Department at Salford Royal for an initial consultation.
It was at this point that the consultant explained to Jean that the best option for treatment would be through robotic assisted surgery because it is minimally invasive and would lead to a quicker recovery time for Jean.
Jean said: “I didn’t really know anything about it (robotic surgery) but I think I’ve been in so much pain I wasn’t bothered how they got rid of it but when the consultant explained it would be only small incisions and I would recover a lot quicker I was happy to go along with it to start feeling better.
“Even though I was scared myself when I was told I was having the surgery, definitely have it done if it’s recommended to you. I was not expecting to go home so quickly, and my partner said he couldn’t believe it. I honestly couldn’t believe how quickly I’ve gotten back to normal and feel as if my life can carry on.”
"I was not expecting to go home so quickly, and my partner said he couldn’t believe it. I honestly couldn’t believe how quickly I’ve gotten back to normal and feel as if my life can carry on."
Jane Kingham, enhanced recovery specialist nurse in the Urology Department, said: “Robotic surgery allows me to do my job better. I can encourage the patient to mobilise, to take diet and fluids and the process reduces pain for the patient. Ultimately it allows a shorter length of stay and better recovery for the patient.”
Jean discusses her experience of robotic assisted surgery
The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust acquired the Da Vinci XI Surgical Robot which Jean was operated on in October 2020. The robotic system is currently used to assist in keyhole procedures for urological and colorectal conditions including the treatment of kidney and bladder cancers, colorectal cancers and reconstructive procedures for the urinary and gastrointestinal tract.
The system gives surgeons an advanced set of instruments to use in performing the surgery which they guide via a 3D immersive console.
The system translates a surgeon’s hand movements at the console in real time, bending and rotating the instruments while performing the procedure. The tiny wristed instruments move like a human hand, but with a greater range of motion. The vision system also delivers highly magnified, 3D high-definition views of the surgical area. The instrument size makes it possible for surgeons to operate through only a few small incisions.
Robotic-assisted surgery can offer patients demonstrated benefits compared with open surgery. These can include reduced blood loss; reduced risk of infection; fewer complication; reduced length of stay thanks to improved recovery time; and reduced chance of readmission.
We provide robotic assisted procedures to patients across Greater Manchester. This includes residents in Salford, Bolton, Wigan, Oldham, Rochdale and Bury.