UK healthcare provider HCA pioneers the use of advanced robotic-assisted surgery for thoracic patients.
London Bridge Hospital Pioneers Revolutionary Single-Incision Robotic Surgery
London Bridge Hospital, a leading institution within HCA Healthcare UK, has made history as the first hospital in the UK to perform gynaecology and HPB operations using the groundbreaking da Vinci SP (Single Port) system. This innovative surgical approach, led by Mr Tom Routledge and his team, is set to revolutionise thoracic surgery for lung cancer patients, offering quicker recovery and minimal discomfort.
The da Vinci SP system, which joins HCA UK's fleet of 8 da Vinci Xi surgical systems, promises to change the landscape of minimally invasive surgery. Its integration at London Bridge Hospital builds on their existing robotic thoracic programme, the largest independent programme in the UK. Since its introduction in March 2024, the hospital has performed over 300 procedures with the da Vinci SP system.
The system's unique design includes three multi-jointed, wristed instruments and a 3D, HD camera that emerge through a single flexible cannula, offering enhanced surgical precision and dexterity. This allows complex surgery to be performed through a single 5cm incision, reducing trauma and post-operative pain for patients.
The single port system also expands options for patients who are not suitable for multiple incisions, such as those with previous abdominal surgeries or extensive scar tissue. It also carries the potential to perform surgery through natural orifices without external incisions, representing a future advancement in minimally invasive thoracic procedures.
David Marante, VP of Intuitive UK & Ireland, Italy & Iberia, congratulated the team at London Bridge Hospital for pioneering the use of the da Vinci SP system for robotic-assisted thoracic surgery in the UK. He highlighted that this adoption is a testament to the expertise and commitment across HCA Healthcare UK's network.
The da Vinci SP system is now available at The Harborne Hospital, making it the first of its kind to be used in the region's independent sector. Over 16,000 robotic-assisted procedures have taken place across HCA UK's network of leading hospitals in the past nine years, the most in both number and variety in the independent sector.
As London Bridge Hospital continues to push the boundaries of robotic surgery, revolutionary non-surgical musculoskeletal treatments will be unveiled at Arab Health 2025. Meanwhile, CMR Surgical has secured $200M+ to accelerate its growth, further fuelling the advancement of minimally invasive surgical technology.
In summary, the da Vinci SP system in thoracic surgery offers less invasive access, reduced patient trauma and pain, faster recovery, and increased surgical precision — all contributing to improved patient outcomes and expanding minimally invasive surgical options for challenging cases. London Bridge Hospital's pioneering work in this area is a significant step forward for the future of surgery in the UK.
[1] Intuitive Surgical. (2023). da Vinci SP System. Retrieved from https://www.intusurg.com/products/davincisystem/davincisp
[2] London Bridge Hospital. (2023). da Vinci SP System. Retrieved from https://www.londonbridgehospital.com/services/surgical-services/da-vinci-sp-system
- The integration of advanced digital health technology, such as the da Vinci SP system, in surgeries like those performed at London Bridge Hospital, is a testament to the merging of science and medical-conditions management, with potential applications extending to health-and-wellness and finance sectors.
- The pioneering use of the da Vinci SP system in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery at London Bridge Hospital and its expansion to other hospitals could pave the way for significant advancements in cancer treatment, as minimally invasive surgery allows for quicker recovery and less post-operative discomfort.
- As technology continues to advance in the healthcare sector, particularly in areas like robotic surgery, the collaboration between medical-conditions management, finance, and technology industries will be essential in driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.
