ImGist - I Am the Essence

The patient approves of robotic surgery.

The first patient to undergo pioneering robotic surgery has said he is "amazed" at the speed of his recovery.

Andy Sturrock, from Wincobank, underwent a gallbladder removal operation in April this year, which was assisted by a surgical robot funded by a £1.45 million donation from Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

The 69-year-old patient's operation took 40 minutes, during which the robot used "superhuman movements" to make "smaller and less invasive incisions," according to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Following surgery at Northern Hospital, Sturrock returned home the same day with virtually no scars.

Clive Keltie, one of the surgeons who performed the operation, said: "The robot allows us to see much better than with the naked eye, and the instruments are more precise - they can rotate much more than a human wrist, and also only move when the surgeon does.".

«"This means that surgery can be increasingly precise.".

The da Vinci robot is controlled by surgeons seated at two separate consoles, using hand and foot controls to direct the robot's movements, aided by a high-resolution 3D image of the surgical field.

Medical staff say the new system is delivering 'faster recoveries' for patients [Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust].

Sturrock said he was diagnosed with a gallbladder condition just a few months before the surgery, which left him with weakness and pain for several weeks.

«Now I’m completely recovered, all four scars have healed, and a week after the surgery I was able to take my wife to the post office without any problems.».

He said that if other patients were given the opportunity to have surgery using the system, he would "highly recommend it.".

«"I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved, including Sheffield Hospitals Charity. I would commend them all for this.".

Beth Crackles, Chief Executive of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: "We are incredibly proud of our £1.45 million donation, which will help bring this state-of-the-art surgical robot to Sheffield. Andy's experience clearly demonstrates why such investment is so important.".

«Seeing patients recover faster, experience less pain, and face fewer disruptions in their lives is a powerful reminder of how our supporters help us make a difference every day.».

Since Sterrock's surgery, the robotic system has been used to treat more than 30 other patients.

The hospital said it plans to perform hundreds more surgeries using the new system, which "provides increased precision, improved outcomes and faster recovery for patients undergoing a wide range of procedures, including cancer surgery.".

Listen to the best moments from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds , see the latest Look North program release.

Read more about this story

  • A surgical robot is radically changing the lives of cancer patients.

Related links

  • Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *