Robotic surgery helping to improve outcomes for patients in Fife

The new technology is already providing a range of benefits for patients in Fife. In addition to improving patient safety, the technology is more precise which allows more complex procedures to be carried out quicker with improved patient outcomes.

Back to list 26/01/2023

A significant milestone has been reached with the 200th patient in Fife treated using pioneering robotic-assisted surgery.

Funded by Scottish Government at a cost of around £2,200,000, Fife began using robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in August 2021. The new technology is being used across a range of surgical specialties, including colorectal, gynaecology and urology.

Over recent years, RAS has undergone significant expansion across the UK. The DaVinci robotic system used in Fife is controlled by experienced laparoscopic surgeons who operate the device from within the theatre itself, sitting adjacent to the patient.

Furthermore, the technology enables some procedures which would have previously required open surgery to be carried laparoscopically. This helps patients recover more quickly with less scarring, reducing post-operative pain and the risk of surgical site infection, and shortening the patient’s length of hospital stay.

Conventional laparoscopic surgery can also be very physically demanding for surgeons, leading to fatigue. Robotic platforms considerably reduce fatigue, allowing the surgeon to be seated at the robotic console while operating and minimising the potential for surgical error.

NHS Fife Deputy Medical Director, Dr Iain MacLeod said of the use of robotic-assisted surgery in Fife:

(WARNING - contains scenes of surgery)

“We are constantly looking for new and innovative way of improving patient outcomes, and although we are relatively early in our use of this technology, robotics are already supporting us in this aim.

“The technology still relies on the knowledge and expertise of our surgeons, and we are fortunate to have an incredibly skilled and forward-thinking surgical team here in Fife. This technology is allowing our surgeons to work with even greater precision, which we know improves outcomes and facilitates better post-operative recovery.

“As a Board, we have a proven track record of embracing new and emerging technologies, and safely introducing new and innovative surgical techniques. By adopting robotic-assisted surgery, this allows us not only to improve the care of individual patients, but over time will enable us to see more patients through our theatres, which is more important now than perhaps ever before.

“Furthermore, the use of this new technology helps future-proof our services and makes Fife more attractive to prospective surgical staff and trainees.“