Cancer patients in West Norfolk are set to benefit from cutting-edge technology with the introduction of a new £1m surgical robot at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.
The Versius robot, designed to aid in complex surgical procedures, offers enhanced precision and comfort for both surgeons and patients.
Currently utilised for colorectal surgery, the Versius robot is expected to expand its use to include urology and gynaecological procedures.
It is anticipated that the robot will assist in treating over 100 patients during its first year of operation.
Damien Jeffries, 51, from Ashwicken, is one of the first patients to undergo surgery using the Versius robot.
Jeffries, who had surgery to treat his bowel cancer, praised the technology, saying he felt reassured by his surgeon’s confidence in using the robot for his operation.
“For me it was really good. I was really pleased when my surgeon said he would be using the robot. I was very happy that he had the confidence in the robot to allow me to be operated on,” he said.
Remarkably, Jeffries reported feeling well just 48 hours after the procedure. “Just go with it. It really is fantastic. I’m waiting for all the results to come back now, but I think it is looking positive,” he added.
The arrival of the Versius robot at Queen Elizabeth Hospital marks the culmination of a six-year effort by the surgical team to secure funding and adapt the hospital’s facilities.
The machine, weighing 1.4 tonnes, required the operating theatre’s floor to be reinforced to support its weight.
Although the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is set to undergo reconstruction by 2030, the hospital did not want to delay the introduction of robotic surgery, which promises to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Syed Hyder, a consultant surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, performed the surgery on Jeffries and expressed his excitement about the new addition.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that we’ve got to this stage that we have our own robot.
“I’m really proud that we’ve got it for our community and to provide the best care for our patients,” he said.
The robot’s 3D visualisation system provides surgeons with a clearer, more detailed view of the surgical area, making complex operations more precise and less invasive.
This technological advancement promises to improve recovery times, enhance patient care, and pave the way for future innovations in surgery.
For more information on the Versius robot and its impact on cancer treatment, stay tuned for updates from Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
