Mr Tom Leslie and Ms Kat Baker were among the first surgeons to perform robotic-assisted procedures using The Manor Hospital's new da Vinci Xi surgical system.
The Oxford-based consultants, who specialise in urology and colorectal surgery respectively, are helping establish a new robotic surgery programme that will initially focus on urology and colorectal procedures, with plans to expand into other specialities in the future.
The introduction of the da Vinci Xi builds on The Manor Hospital's established reputation for treating increasingly complex surgical cases.
While the technology is new to the hospital, many of the consultants using the system are already experienced robotic surgeons who perform robotic procedures as part of their wider clinical practice.
Several Oxford-based specialists have previously carried out private robotic surgery in NHS facilities or at hospitals in London, meaning patients often had to travel elsewhere to access these procedures.
The arrival of the da Vinci Xi means patients can now access that expertise within The Manor's established surgical service.
Consultant urological surgeon Mr Tom Leslie believes the technology offers surgeons greater capability when performing complex procedures through minimally invasive techniques.
‘The da Vinci Xi system gives surgeons enhanced vision, precision and control when performing complex procedures through minimally invasive techniques,’ says Mr Leslie. ‘It's a tool that we, the surgeons, are using which allows us to have incrementally improved vision and to effectively stitch and manipulate tissue as if our hands were inside the patient.’
Mr Leslie is also keen to dispel common misconceptions about robotic surgery: ‘They're not automated. You're not on a production line. The surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure.’
For patients undergoing procedures such as prostate and kidney surgery, robotic-assisted techniques can offer a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. The technology enables surgeons to operate with greater dexterity and visualisation in confined anatomical spaces, which for suitable patients may help reduce blood loss, minimise scarring and support recovery following surgery.
The Manor Hospital is supported by a High Dependency Unit, enabling the hospital to care for patients undergoing more complex procedures and helping to expand the range of treatments that can be delivered within an independent healthcare setting. The addition of robotic-assisted surgery represents the next step in that development.
Consultant colorectal surgeon Ms Kat Baker, who specialises in the treatment of colorectal conditions and cancer, believes the technology will be particularly valuable in complex colorectal and pelvic surgery.
‘Minimally invasive surgery can have less physical impact on patients, helping them to be discharged sooner, recover more quickly and return to everyday activities faster,’ she explains. ‘In cancer surgery, particularly for complex pelvic procedures, robotic-assisted technology can also support greater surgical precision, helping us to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.’
Demand for robotic-assisted surgery continues to grow across the UK, and The Manor Hospital's programme has launched with support from consultants who already have established robotic practices. Initially focused on urology and colorectal surgery, the service is expected to expand into additional specialties over time, enabling more patients to benefit from this approach to surgery.
The introduction of the da Vinci Xi marks the next stage in The Manor Hospital's development of complex surgical services, providing patients with access to robotic-assisted procedures delivered by experienced Oxford-based consultants.
To learn more about robotic-assisted surgery at The Manor Hospital, or to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist surgeons, call 01865 307777 or email oxford.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com.
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