In the operating theater D at Glasgow's Royal Infirmary, gynecological oncologist Dr. Kevin Burton is skillfully maneuvering the four arms of a robot named Roxy. Equipped with surgical instruments, the robot's arms are inserted into the patient through small incisions in the abdomen.
Dr. Burton moves across the theater to a console resembling an arcade machine and takes a seat. Peering through a viewfinder, he uses a joystick and foot pedals to control the instruments. With precision, he navigates through tissues, avoiding vital nerves and blood vessels while examining deep into the pelvis for potentially cancerous lymph nodes.
Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) has significantly transformed cancer surgery, enabling faster patient recovery. Despite being responsible for only around 1% of NHS surgeries in Scotland, further investment in RAS, though expensive, could potentially lead to notable benefits.
Prof. Graham Mackay, a colorectal surgeon, notes the significant advantages of RAS, mentioning the reduction in open surgeries and shortened hospital stays for patients. Extending RAS services to more hospitals could alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities.
One patient, Isobel Morrison, benefited from RAS when she underwent a hysterectomy for womb cancer. She was able to return home the day after surgery, thanks to the efficiency of Roxy, facilitating a timely celebration of her 60th wedding anniversary.
Dr. Burton praises the effectiveness of RAS, emphasizing its superiority over traditional surgical methods. By streamlining procedures and offering clearer, detailed views for surgeons, RAS contributes to improved patient outcomes and quicker recovery times.
Looking forward, with the government's emphasis on the role of robots in revitalizing the NHS post-pandemic, decisions need to be made on prioritizing cost-effective innovations to meet the increasing demands within constrained healthcare budgets. Plans include optimizing data usage, enhancing genetic testing, and introducing digital support for various medical specialties within the Scottish health and social care system.
The potential of more robots, like Roxy, joining Scotland's NHS to enhance surgical capabilities remains an intriguing possibility for the future.