The Royal Liverpool University Hospital has become one of only a handful of centres in the UK to install a Da Vinci Si robotic surgical system. (For Da Vince see Intuitive Surgical Inc). Currently the most-advanced system in the world, the equipment provides surgeons with superior visualisation, enhanced dexterity and greater precision, allowing them to carry out minimally-invasive, complex surgery. Initially, it will be used on patients with prostate cancer, but will later be used for radical surgery for bladder cancer, complex kidney cancer surgery, gynaecology operations and bowel cancer surgery. Robin Weston, consultant cancer urologist, who spent 12 months in Australia training on the system, said: "Robotic surgery is much better for the patients who are clinically suitable. There are fewer complications, less need for pain relief and patients spend less time in hospital. It really is a fantastic piece of equipment and we are thrilled that we will now be offering this world-class cancer surgery to patients across the north-west."
