Robotic surgery
We use advanced robotic technologies at Cromwell Hospital to deliver personalised, accurate and minimally invasive surgery.
Reviewed by Mr Christopher Anderson, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Mr David Houlihan-Burne, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
At Cromwell Hospital, we are always looking for new ways to ensure we offer world-class care tailored to your needs. That’s why we are harnessing the benefits of the latest robotic-assisted surgical technologies to help our surgeons perform complex surgical procedures with even more precision. We offer technologically advanced robotic-assisted surgical technologies, including:
- the da Vinci Xi system, used for a range of keyhole surgery in urology, general surgery, oncology, colorectal, hepato-pancreato-biliary, lung, gynaecology and head and neck procedures.
- the Stryker MAKO system, used for joint replacement surgery, such as knee and hip replacements.
What is robotic-assisted surgery and what are the benefits?
The da Vinci Xi and Stryker Mako systems are highly advanced robotic arms controlled by your surgeon from a console in the operating theatre. Your surgeon guides the robotic arm to perform complex and precise surgical procedures. They are in control of the robotic arms at all times.
The robotic arms provide your surgeon with greater precision, control and flexibility when using surgical instruments. This is especially useful in complex operations or minimally invasive keyhole surgery. The robotic arms also provide your surgeon with superior visualisation and enhanced camera technologies, helping them to accurately plan the operation and monitor progress in real-time.
These technologies mean that we can provide you with a more personalised surgical experience based on your specific diagnosis and anatomy, delivering care expertly tailored to your needs.
There are huge benefits for you as a patient, including reducing your chances of scarring, less pain after your operation, and a faster recovery. This means you will spend less time in hospital.
How the da Vinci Xi surgical system works
The most advanced robot of its kind, the da Vinci Xi surgical system helps our skilled surgeons to perform complex and delicate keyhole operations. At Cromwell Hospital, our consultant surgeons use the da Vinci Xi for a range of procedures in urology, colorectal, general surgery and gynaecology.
In the operating theatre, your surgeon will use a console to operate the robotic arms. These arms hold a camera and surgical equipment, and enable the surgeon to make very precise movements.
Your surgeon guides the robotic arms viewing live 3D images from inside your body. Using hand and foot controls, your surgeon is able to direct the camera and miniature surgical instruments held by the robotic arm, to treat your condition, and perform delicate procedures.
Applications of the da Vinci Xi surgical system at Cromwell Hospital
Robotic surgery has been established in routine urology practice for over 15 years. At Cromwell Hospital we continue to offer robotic surgery for the following well established services:
- Urology, including all kidney surgery (both partial or total removal to treat cancer), removal of the prostate (prostatectomy for cancer), removal of the bladder and reconstructive operations of the urinary tract
- General surgery, such as complex hepatobiliary surgery, colorectal cancer surgery and hernia repair
- Colorectal procedures.
- We are one of the few hospitals in London to use the da Vinci Xi for our gynaecology procedures, including keyhole procedures such as hysterectomies, laparoscopy, complex endometriosis and large fibroids surgery.
Robotic surgery outcomes for endometriosis patients
Mr Amer Raza is a Consultant Gynaecologist who leads the International Centre for Endometriosis at Cromwell Hospital. He is highly experienced in carrying out robotic surgery using our state-of-the-art da Vinci XI system and consistently achieves excellent outcomes for his endometriosis patients.
Of 102 endometriosis patients operated on using robotic surgery by Mr Raza:
- None had complications post-surgery
- None were re-admitted to hospital post-surgery
- 38% were able to be discharged the same day
- Those who did stay in hospital overnight stayed for an average of 1 night.
How the Stryker MAKO works
The innovative and unique Stryker MAKO system transforms the way joint replacement surgery, such as knee and hip replacements, is performed. It has revolutionised joint replacement surgery using computerized robot assisted bespoke surgery for your hip or knee.
Before your operation, your consultant uses MAKO technology to create a personalised surgical plan based on your unique needs. First, they will take a CT scan of your joint. The MAKO system uses the scan to create a 3D model of the joint. Your surgeon will then use this 3D model to create a unique plan for your surgery.
During the operation, your surgeon will guide the robotic arm from a console. The MAKO system helps your surgeon stay within planned boundaries, so that they can place and align your new implant in the optimal position. Your surgeon can also use the system to make fine adjustments to achieve unique placement of your new knee.
The MAKO technology allows for a personalised surgical experience delivered with precision. This reduces pain after the operation and increases your mobility and speeds up your recovery. Many of our patients are able to walk pain-free on the day of their operation and walk without crutches two weeks after the operation
Applications of the Stryker MAKO at Cromwell Hospital
At Cromwell Hospital, we have a partnership with Fortius Clinic, which brings together some of the UK’s leading experts in the field of joint replacement.
Fortius surgeons at Cromwell Hospital are able to perform surgery using the Stryker MAKO robotic arm technology. We offer both knee and hip replacements using the MAKO robotic arm to enable our surgeons to carry out highly advanced joint replacement surgery.
Paying for your treatment
We welcome both self-paying and insured patients.
Self-pay patients
We offer several ways for patients to self-pay, including pay-as-you-go and self-pay packages.
Insured patients
At Cromwell Hospital, we accept private health insurance from most major providers, including AXA, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality.
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