Major investment in robotic surgery announced at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals

It is envisaged that the investment in the state-of-the-art surgical robot will transform the way DBTH performs certain procedures, specifically for colorectal cancer patients in the first instance.

Colorectal surgery is the field of medicine that deals with repairing damage caused by colorectal diseases. Surgery can be necessary due to a variety of health problems along the gastrointestinal tract, in your rectum, anus and colon.

Operated by a surgeon, the system uses a 3D camera and robotic arms are controlled from a console using an advanced set of instruments to achieve minimally invasive surgery. Working this way allows for greater precision than traditional laparoscopic (also known as ‘keyhole’) or open surgery.

Colorectal Consultant Surgeon and Lead Clinician for Gastrointestinal Surgery, Miss Antonia Durham-Hall, said of the development: “This is one of the most significant investments made in the advancements of surgery at DBTH and it will transform colorectal cancer surgery for our patients.

“As improvements are made in the early diagnosis of cancers it is extremely important that advancements are also made in how we treat them, so patients can go on to have a good quality of life post cancer surgery.

“The introduction of robotic surgery will significantly improve outcomes for patients following their surgery, such as faster recovery times, reduced length of stay, and a reduction in the chance of a conversion to open surgery. In some types of tumour, there will also be improved cancer outcomes, and a decrease in patients who experience problems with urinary and sexual function and a reduction in those needing a long-term stoma.

“I’m extremely pleased that we will be able to offer this to our patients in the near future and thankful to the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity for such a significant investment.”

Colorectal patients are set to benefit from robotic cancer surgery as soon as the robot arrives early next financial year, as a member of the DBTH Colorectal Team is already a trained autonomous robotic surgeon. Three additional colorectal surgeons are due to begin training, and, once proficient, all four colorectal surgeons will be able to operate independently on the machine within six months.

Richard Parker OBE, DBTH Chief Executive, said: “Investing in robotic surgery is not only important for improving outcomes of our colorectal cancer patients, but also absolutely critical to attract and sustain anaesthetists, surgeons and theatre staff at DBTH now, and in the future. Robotic surgery will soon become part of the core curriculum for surgeons, and without the robot, we could lose the ability to train some specialist surgical trainees.

“At DBTH we’re very proud to train 25% of the medical workforce in South Yorkshire and providing good quality trainee experiences are central to our workforce and recruitment plans. We know if trainees have a positive experience at DBTH we will go on to be their employer of choice when they qualify.

“We want to express our thanks to all the supporters of the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, and especially the Fred and Ann Green legacy – their support has helped to facilitate a transformative investment in care for our communities.”

If you have any other questions about how you can get involved with supporting DBTH, you can contact the Fundraising and Communications Team on 01302 644244 or dbth.charity@nhs.net.