Stepping Hill Hospital’s surgical team celebrated a landmark as they performed their 1000th successful operation for prostate cancer patients using a hi-tech surgical robot.
The operation for a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer was carried out by the team using the da Vinci X fourth generation surgical robot, which can be used for prostate, bladder and kidney cancer patients, using keyhole rather than major surgery.
The dexterity of the robot means surgeons can operate with more precision, and with less trauma to the body of the patient than with normal surgery. This means less anaesthesia, and reduced blood loss, pain and discomfort, together with a lower risk of infection.
It also means recovery times are swifter too. Prostate cancer patients can recover so quickly they will usually leave hospital within 24 hours, while bladder cancer patients can leave hospital an average of five days sooner than with previous surgery.
The robot was first used in 2015, when at the time it was the first robot of its type being used in Greater Manchester. The consultant surgeons who have used the robot during that time are Richard Brough, Neil Oakley, Vincent Tang and Paul Cleaveland.
The 1000th patient to receive the robot operation was 71 year old John McAllister. John is a retired headmaster who lives with his partner Patsy in Heaton Moor. He received a diagnosis of prostate cancer in December last year, and was booked in for prostatectomy soon after.
The operation was a complete success, John was able to come home the next day. John said “I was a bit nauseous at first, but now a few days on I feel fine, just a little tired. I’m so pleased I was able to have the robotic operation so I could be home with Patsy sooner. While the robot was needed I’d like to thank the whole surgical team including Lisa, Esther, Jacqueline, Jess, Mr Cleaveland and all the medical, nursing, and the admin staff too for the excellent care I’ve received, it was a really great team effort.”
Paul Cleaveland, Consultant Surgeon was in the team which carried out the operation said “It’s very satisfying to reach the landmark of 1000 patients who have now benefitted from this surgery with the Da Vinci robot. My surgical colleagues and myself are happy that it helps us provide an easier and safer experience for our patients when they undergo the operations which they need for a recovery. It was good to see John home as our latest satisfied patient, and we look forward to many more in the future.”