UHNM cuts waiting lists with record number of robotic-assisted gallbladder surgeries

A surgical team at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has carried out a record six robotic gallbladder removals in one day.
 
The team, led by Mr Richard Laing, consultant surgeon specialising in pancreatic cancer and complex gallbladder conditions, was able to complete the day’s record caseload as part of a high intensity theatre (HIT) list to help reduce surgical waiting lists at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. 
 
The procedures, known as a cholecystectomy, were made possible thanks to state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgery.
 
As well as speeding up the time required to carry out an operation, the Intuitive da Vinci surgical system reduces post-operative complications and reduces recovery time.
 
Mr Laing said: “UHNM’s upper gastrointestinal surgery team has been utilising the da Vinci robotic system since August 2024. We are normally able to perform four or five of these procedures on a normal standard operating list, however we were able to complete the six procedures as part of a HIT list to help reduce surgical waiting lists at UHNM. 

“This increased number of cases were facilitated by utilising the state-of-the-art technology. The Intuitive da Vinci surgical system improves upon traditional keyhole, or laparoscopic, surgery by giving the surgeon a much clearer, magnified 3D view of the surgical field as well as enabling enhanced precision and dexterity. The system also has built in technology that can be utilised during the case which can increase safety such as fluorescence imaging and intraoperative ultrasound.    

“The success of the HIT list, with five out of six patients discharged the same day, highlights the efficiency and benefits of robotic-assisted surgery at UHNM. This level of productivity is not normally seen with conventional laparoscopic techniques.  This list included a complex case which took over two hours which highlights what we were able to achieve.

“In one particularly complex case, I was able to utilise the robotic system’s video hub to replay parts of the case to one of my pancreatic surgery consultant colleagues. This, as well as other built-in technology, provided clarity and enabled me to proceed with the case to completion. This undoubtedly helped avoid an extended hospital stay and possibly another operation further down the line. The patient stayed overnight rather than several days, thanks to the benefits that the robotic platform provides.

“Most importantly, this achievement was only possible thanks to the superb teamwork of everyone involved including anaesthetics, nursing and theatre staff, the recovery team and the surgical management and strategy team who have been incredibly supportive. It truly demonstrated what we can accomplish when cutting-edge technology meets a highly skilled and collaborative team.”