Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has announced that the first robotic-assisted hysterectomy was performed in Kent and Medway using the da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery system.
This is a significant milestone for the Trust as it feels it "it solidifies our position as a leading healthcare institution in the region, setting new standards in women’s healthcare".
The system was delivered to Darent Valley Hospital at the end of March and our team of highly-skilled and experienced surgeons has undertaken rigorous training to ensure optimal outcomes and the highest level of patient care.
Manufactured by Intuitive, the da Vinci system provides surgeons with advanced tools for robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery.
Over 12 million surgeries have been conducted worldwide using da Vinci robotic systems.
It offers a highly magnified, 3D view of the surgical area, which is shared with the operating theatre.
This system aims to enhance patient outcomes, improve the experience for both patients and healthcare teams, and reduce overall treatment costs.
A team of surgeons control the da Vinci system from a console, which translates their hand movements in real time to manipulate instruments during surgery.
These instruments mimic the dexterity of a human hand but with greater flexibility. With da Vinci, surgeons can access multiple areas and perform various surgeries through small incisions.
da Vinci assisted surgery results in fewer conversions compared to laparoscopic procedures.
The system is approved for use in several specialities including gynaecology, urology, thoracic, head and neck, and general surgery, including colorectal procedures.
Over 12 million surgeries have been conducted worldwide using da Vinci robotic systems.
Studies suggest that patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery with da Vinci experience shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, reduced mortality rates, and less need for blood transfusions compared to open or laparoscopic surgery.
Additionally, da Vinci assisted surgery results in fewer conversions compared to laparoscopic procedures.
It offers a highly magnified, 3D view of the surgical area, which is shared with the operating theatre.
Divisional Medical Director for DGT’s Surgery, Critical Care and Planned Care Division, Consultant Gynaecologist and Urogynaecology Lead, Mr Abhishek Gupta, said: "Our dedication to excellence in robotic-assisted gynaecology surgery showcases our commitment to patient-centred care and ensures that our community benefits from the latest advancements in medical technology."
"We are proud to offer comprehensive care from initial consultation through to post-operative care. Our multi-disciplinary approach ensures that each patient receives personalised treatment tailored to their specific needs," Gupta concluded.
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alexandra Bode-Tunji, said: "This project has been a long time in the making, dating back to 2018 when the Surgical team began looking into robotic-assisted surgery here at DGT."
This project has been a long time in the making, dating back to 2018 when the Surgical team began looking into robotic-assisted surgery here at DGT
"Progress was paused due to COVID-19 and the project resumed in October 2023, when a dedicated project team was formed, consisting of key teams from across the Trust. This team has been instrumental in driving the project forward and achieving this milestone," Bode-Tunji added.
"It is wonderful to finally see the physical da Vinci system in place at Darent Valley Hospital and we look forward to seeing the significant benefits for patients and staff as we begin to roll out robotic-assisted surgery in the near future," Bode-Tunji concluded.
