Robotic Surgery Revolutionizes Cancer Treatment in Scotland

January 31, 2025
Robotic Surgery Revolutionizes Cancer Treatment in Scotland

At Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary, Dr. Kevin Burton, a gynaecological oncologist, is leading a surgical procedure with the help of Roxy, a robotic assistant. The robot’s mechanical arms, equipped with surgical tools, are carefully placed inside the patient through small abdominal incisions. Dr. Burton, positioned at a console across the operating theatre, uses a joystick and foot pedals to control Roxy, guiding the instruments with precision as he navigates through the pelvis to remove potentially cancerous lymph nodes while avoiding crucial nerves and blood vessels.

Dr. Burton, with his eyes in the viewfinder of the console, focuses entirely on manipulating the robotic arms. He is in complete control, performing a delicate hysterectomy using the da Vinci robotic system. This type of robotic surgery, which has been growing in use across Scotland, is a game-changer for both surgeons and patients, offering higher precision and quicker recovery times.

Scotland first witnessed robotic surgery in action at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank more than five years ago. Since then, the impact of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has been substantial. The Scottish government has been investing heavily in this technology, particularly for cancer surgeries. This includes the 2021 purchase of 12 da Vinci robots, which are used in surgeries for cancer types like womb and bowel cancer. The robots have already helped reduce the need for open surgeries and shortened recovery times for patients.

However, despite the positive outcomes, RAS still only accounts for about 1% of all NHS surgeries in Scotland. A da Vinci robot, which costs around £1.7 million plus running expenses, is a significant investment. But many surgeons believe this technology is worth it, especially in delicate cancer surgeries where precision is critical.

Prof. Graham Mackay, a colorectal surgeon and clinical lead for the West of Scotland Cancer Centre, says that robotic surgery has dramatically improved outcomes. In the past three years, the rate of open surgeries has dropped from 70% to 30%, and patients are now staying in the hospital for a fraction of the time they once did. Fewer complications have been reported, and the need for hospital beds has decreased, easing the pressure on the healthcare system. Expanding access to robotic surgeries to more hospitals and other types of cancer could further improve the NHS’s efficiency, he says.

Isobel Morrison, 84, is one of the many patients who has benefited from RAS. She underwent a hysterectomy for womb cancer and was able to go home the very next day, in time to celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary. She recalls feeling so well after the surgery that she didn’t even realize it had happened until the doctors informed her. “I felt absolutely fine,” she said, a testament to the success of robotic-assisted procedures.

Dr. Burton, who is performing a delicate operation with Roxy, is confident in the robot’s advantages over traditional surgery. He highlights the robot’s ability to provide an immersive, steady, 3D view of the surgical area, which is invaluable for complex procedures. RAS also allows surgeons to treat patients who would previously have been deemed inoperable, such as those with higher levels of obesity. This expanded capability could save the NHS money by shortening hospital stays and freeing up beds for other patients.

Looking to the future, RAS technology is seen as a crucial part of the NHS’s recovery and modernization, especially as it faces the challenges of post-pandemic backlogs. However, with limited budgets, healthcare leaders must carefully consider which innovations to invest in. Alongside robotic surgery, there are plans for increasing data use, improving genetic testing for targeted treatments, and expanding digital services for mental health and long-term conditions. The government’s focus remains on ensuring the most effective and affordable use of technology in the NHS.

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