Alexandra Hospital: State-of-the-art robotic surgery launched

The surgical robot named the Da Vinci Xi system arrived in September following the upgrade of an operating theatre.

The first procedure being offered up to three days a week, is robot-assisted surgery for men with prostate cancer. 

For those patients where the technique is clinically appropriate, Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) can offer equivalent or potentially better outcomes, less pain, smaller incisions, shorter stays in hospital and accelerated recovery.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Alexandra as well as Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre and Worcestershire Royal Hospital, is investing more than £3.5 million in the new service.

Preparation to use the robot. (Image: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust)

Thanks to the generosity of supporters led by Ian Jukes, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity’s fundraising appeal in aid of robotic surgery already raised around £500,000 before plans for the development were paused during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The trust’s consultant urologists Paul Rajjayabun, and Adel Makar have undergone extensive training in using the robot with additional input from expert surgeons from around the UK for the initial period of operating.

Mr Makar said: “The progress of the first tranche of patients who have undergone procedures using the robot since October are being closely monitored and we are delighted the feedback we have received has reflected high levels of patient satisfaction.”

Mr Rajjayabun said: “As well as being of huge benefit to our patients, the arrival of the robot has been a great boost for the clinical teams involved whilst also offering excellent development opportunities for our surgical, nursing and theatre staff.”

Prior to the arrival of the robot, Worcestershire prostate cancer patients who wanted this type of surgery as part of their treatment had to travel out of the county for it.