Robotic arms could be used to help perform cancer operations in Wales

Cancer patients across Wales could soon be operated on by robotic arms controlled by surgeons.

 

The arms will be used from June this year to perform some surgeries at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor, north Wales.

 

The first machine at the hospital comes as part of plans to establish an “all-Wales robotic assisted surgery network” with the technology expected to be rolled out across the country at a later date.

 

The robotic arms will be used by the NHS to perform procedures for some gynaecological and prostate cancers, and some procedures on the digestive system, bladder and kidneys.

 

The jointed arms with surgical instruments at the end are controlled by a surgeon via a computer and are used to perform keyhole surgery. In addition, cameras on the arms allow the surgeon to see what is happening and to zoom in and magnify the area being operated on.

 

Consultant Urologist Mohamed Abdulmajed, one of the first medics to be trained using the procedure, said there were many benefits to using the technology, saying “One of the first operations we’ll be doing with the robotic arms is men’s prostate cancer surgery.

 

“We can be sure of a high level of accuracy, and avoid the nerves which control a man’s sexual function, and reduce the risk of someone being made incontinent by the surgery.

 

“Overall, keyhole surgery with a robotic arm has many advantages for patients compared to open surgery.  The wounds are smaller’ there’s less blood loss, and that in turn means a shorter hospital stay and an early recovery, allowing a person to return to work sooner.”

 

Jared Torkington, who is heading up the nationwide surgery programme, believes the next 20 years will see more radical change, adding “We can look forward to a future where healthcare is even less invasive and better able to fit the individual needs of patients.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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