Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has marked a significant milestone with over 1,000 robotic-assisted surgical procedures performed in less than two years, positioning it among the most successful programmes of its kind in England.
In March 2023, state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi surgical robots were installed at both Bedford Hospital and Luton & Dunstable University Hospital (L&D).
The robotic technology and training are provided by Intuitive Surgical, a global leader in minimally invasive care.
Uniquely, the Trust utilises these advanced systems across a wide range of specialties, in contrast to the more limited application seen in many other UK hospitals.
Robotic-assisted surgery offers numerous benefits for patients
Conditions treated include bowel and renal cancer, endometriosis, uro-gynaecology, bariatrics, general and biliary surgery, as well as complex head and neck procedures.
Robotic-assisted surgery offers numerous benefits for patients.
These include enhanced safety and precision, reduced invasiveness, and increased flexibility and control compared to traditional surgical methods.
Smaller, more targeted incisions result in less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times
Currently, 15 surgeons across both hospital sites are trained to operate the da Vinci robotic system
The 500th robotic procedure at Bedford Hospital was carried out by Mr Kanapathi Rajaratnam, Consultant in General and Colorectal Surgery.
Commenting on the achievement, he said: “Reaching the 500th case at Bedford, and over a thousand in total across both our hospitals, is a milestone and a considerable achievement in such a short space of time. It has been a really exciting two years.
“Introducing this new technology has brought so many benefits for our patients, and the commitment to innovation – and the training, education and research it brings – will help us retain and attract high calibre staff and trainees, establishing a place on the nation’s healthcare map.”
Conditions treated include bowel and renal cancer, endometriosis
Currently, 15 surgeons across both hospital sites are trained to operate the da Vinci robotic system.
All participating surgeons and their teams undergo rigorous, comprehensive training prior to undertaking procedures, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and surgical excellence.
With the programme’s ongoing success, Bedfordshire Hospitals continues to lead the way in surgical innovation and patient-centred care.
Top image: The da Vinci Xi robot being used at Bedford and L&D hospitals