Fife reaches milestone in surgical innovation with 1,000 robotic procedures completed

Robotic-assisted surgery offers a range of advantages for patients over traditional open or laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques. Smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, lower risk of infections, and the greater precision offered by the robotic system reduces the surgical stress response on the patient, particularly in more complex procedures.

Surgery using the robotic system also lowers the risk of complications, which is a huge advantage for patients undergoing major surgery. In addition, patients experience less post-operative pain enabling faster recovery times, thereby allowing people to return to normal activities much quicker.

The development of the robotic programme in Fife has allowed prostatectomy procedures to be carried out locally for patients with prostate cancer. Fife patients previously had to travel to NHS Lothian for such operations.

The use of the system means patients undergoing robotic procedures can usually be safely discharged more quickly than those undergoing more traditional surgery, often within 48 hours of the procedure. This allows patients to get back home sooner, which is known to help with recovery. Robotic surgery also allows hospital resources to be used more effectively, with patients less likely to be readmitted due to a significant drop in the complications and fewer requiring care in the hospital High Dependency Unit post-surgery.

The success of the robotic programme in Fife has been made possible by the fantastic work and dedication of the health board’s theatre team. Since implementation, the team have kept utilisation of the robot high, helping maximise the numbers of procedures carried out and enabling the service to become steadily more efficient in using this surgical technique.

Claire Dobson, Director of Acute Services, said:  "Our theatre teams worked really diligently to embed robotic-assisted surgery into routine practice here in Fife. Since the launch of the programme in 2021, the use of robotic surgery has expanded to include a range of different specialities, with the number of surgical staff trained in the use of robotic system also steadily increasing over time. This innovation not only helps us increase efficiency - it also improves patient outcomes and allows patients to recover more quickly with less pain and a reduced chance of post-operative complications.”

Medical Director, Professor Christopher McKenna, added: "The development of robotic-assisted surgery is one of a number of areas where are embracing new treatments and technologies to help us improve the care we can offer to patients in Fife.

“Fife has some of the innovative and forward-thinking clinical teams in the country, who in recent years have been at the forefront of developing truly pioneering surgical interventions in urology, gynaecology and orthopaedics, both at the Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. These developments enable us to provide high quality care for patients, allow us to become more efficient and help us in attracting and retaining some of the very best clinicians to work right here in Fife.”

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Photo caption: the robotic surgical team at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy - [DOWNLOAD]