Robot-assisted surgery


2023 Q2


2023 Q3


58 27 Hernia Gynaecology


22 20


Other GEN


2023 Q4


50 18


Upper GI Urology


King’s College Hospital 2024


Q1 65


18 19


Procedure numbers have steadily increased as the graph above demonstrates. ColoRectal


meetings, and ongoing communication with the theatre team maintained through emails, department briefings, and audit meetings.


l Competency development: We established an in-depth competency framework for staff, covering every aspect of robotic system management.


Online training Before hands-on training, staff completed a three-part online module, consisting of: 1. Instructional Videos 2. An in-service document 3. A multiple-choice quiz


Oxford training and case observations Staff were sent to Oxford Intuitive Training, where they received both theoretical and hands-on training. Additionally, some members attended other robotic centres to observe cases providing valuable practical insights. Our focused approach ensured the development of a highly skilled team, and we have since trained 40 staff members on site.


Intraoperative responsibilities During robotic surgery, the surgeon operates from a console, but the success of the operation relies heavily on the team in the operating room, particularly the Theatre Nurses and Anaesthetic Practitioners. Their intraoperative responsibilities include: l Robot and instrument management: At King’s, we have six robotic instrument and scope sets. Theatre Nurses manage the sterile instruments; this is critical in complex cases, where efficiency can directly impact patient outcomes. At King’s, bedside assistants are registrars not Robotic SCPs.


l Maintaining sterility: Given the extended duration of some procedures, maintaining sterility requires constant vigilance.


l Communication with the theatre team: Theatre Nurses act as the bridge between the surgeon at the console and the operating room staff, ensuring instructions are executed efficiently.


l Troubleshooting in real time: Theatre Nurses must be adept at troubleshooting technical


issues, minimising downtime, and ensuring the surgery proceeds without interruption.


Postoperative responsibilities l Instrument cleaning and sterilisation: Robotic instruments are highly specialised, requiring careful cleaning and maintenance. The Theatre team work very closely with the sterilisation department to make sure instruments are ready for the robotic list. King’s can perform up to five cases with a single robot in one day. The team work closely with the procurement department to ensure all consumables are ready for future use.


l Patient recovery and monitoring: Recovery Nurses monitor patients postoperatively to ensure safe recovery and manage any complications.


l Documentation and analysis: A detailed record of the procedure, including instrument usage and any complications, is maintained to inform postoperative care and improve future outcomes.


Challenges faced by Theatre Nurse Practitioners in robotic surgery l Mastering new technologies: Theatre Nurses must keep up with evolving robotic technology, often undergoing specialised training.


l Adapting to complex procedures: Procedures vary in duration and complexity, requiring Theatre Nurses to stay adaptable and focused.


l Maintaining efficiency under pressure: The pressure to ensure efficiency while prioritising patient safety can be significant, especially during lengthy surgeries.


Impact of Theatre Nurses and Anaesthetic Practitioners on patient outcomes l Enhancing surgical efficiency: Theatre scheduling plays a huge role in theatre efficiency preventing on the day cancellation. The proficiency of the Theatre Nurses aids


38 www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I July 2025


2024 Q2


100 19


45 21


2024 Q3


112 23


56 19


2024 Q4


122


55 22


Alexander Lupin - stock.adobe.com Number of Procedures


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