Robot-assisted surgery
In procedures such as rectopexy, robotic surgery has significantly improved the ability to suture efficiently and accurately, resulting in shorter operating times and better confidence in outcomes.
investment, but it also fosters collaborative learning between departments. Theatre nurses, surgical trainees and consultants, now share skills and insights in a way that would not have been possible with siloed robotic access.
Early experience with robotic- assisted colorectal surgery From my experience having worked with robotic-assisted surgery for two years and having performed over 50 cases for colorectal cancer, rectal prolapse, and inflammatory bowel disease, there are several potential benefits to patients, particularly regarding post-operative recovery and surgical precision. In rectal mobilisation procedures, we have found that robotic assistance can enhance visualisation and precision compared to manual laparoscopy. In procedures such as rectopexy, robotic surgery has significantly improved the ability to suture efficiently and accurately, resulting in shorter operating times and better confidence in outcomes. Our data suggests potential improvements in
technical capabilities, with preliminary results indicating benefits for patient care. In our experience with colorectal cancer resections, we have observed an average reduction of one day of inpatient stay compared to traditional laparoscopic approaches, which helps reduce bed occupancy and support earlier discharge. From a clinical perspective, we found that the transition to robotic-assisted MIS was
supported by familiar port placement patterns similar to conventional laparoscopic surgery. This helped our team adapt to the new workflow with relatively minimal disruption, though there was still a learning curve to consider. The ability to perform hybrid procedures, combining both robotic and traditional approaches, has provided additional flexibility in cases where different surgical approaches are beneficial.
How has the implementation of a robotics programme impacted patient outcomes? Shorter waiting time and higher quality Central to the Trust’s robotic surgery programme is improving patient care. As standard for our Trust, every new programme we introduce must serve a primary purpose to deliver safer, more effective, and more timely care for patients While much of CHFT’s elective backlog
clearance has come from strategic list management, such as streamlining high-volume procedures, we believe the presence of a robotic programme has created indirect yet measurable system-wide benefits. The 30% reduction in CHFT’s elective backlog since the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery has been underpinned by a more resilient surgical service. For example, as a Trust, we can now offer minimally invasive procedures to patients who previously would have required open surgery, especially within the more challenging colorectal cases. Our data shows that this has contributed to shorter lengths of stay, lower complication rates, and faster return to normal activity, all of which free up capacity across wards.
In addition, the Trust has become more
agile in response to changes in demand, this is due to a growing internal group of trained robotic surgeons and assistants. When one team needs to prioritise a cancer surgery or an urgent gynaecological case, another can step in to deliver elective work, ensuring the robotic surgery system is used to its full potential.
Expanding access to minimally invasive surgery Looking ahead, the CHFT’s strategy is to further expand access to robotic-assisted MIS. One of the compelling aspects we have observed of
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an effective robotic surgery programme is that it has lowered the barriers to MIS adoption. Because the robot mimics laparoscopic port placement and allows for hybrid procedures, it can be introduced gradually, adapting to patient anatomy and surgeon preference. In several of my own procedures, utilising this robotic surgery system, I have employed a combined laparoscopic and robotic approach to maximise benefit while avoiding open surgery in higher- risk patients. The Trust is now planning to extend its
programme to include abdominal wall surgery, with the first cases planned in the next six months. This procedure is currently mostly performed open at the Trust, with a length of stay that reflects this approach. Data suggests robotic access could significantly improve outcomes in this cohort, particularly for patients with obesity or multiple co-morbidities. As more clinicians are trained and the
programme is expanded across more specialties, the case mix will continue to diversify. Ultimately, the Trust is aiming to substantially increase access to robotic- assisted MIS for patients across all specialties.
How has the implementation of this robotic programme impacted our Trust? Digital-driven surgical practice An important aspect of robotic-assisted surgery is the ability to collect and analyse procedural data. The integrated data collection system provides insights into surgical performance and team workflows, though interpreting and effectively utilising these data to gain insights requires dedicated time and expertise. The system records various procedural metrics, such as instrument usage, operating time, and set-up efficiency. Analysis of these
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