A patient has become the first to receive robotic surgery at Cornwall hospital.
The landmark procedure was carried out at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) using the county’s new soft tissue robotic surgical system, following years of planning, investment, and specialist training.
The technology brings “world-class robotic-assisted surgery” closer to home for patients in Cornwall and offers enhanced precision for surgeries in small or hard-to-reach areas of the body.
James Clark, divisional chair for surgery at RCHT, said: "This is a milestone for Cornwall and fantastic for patients that we are able to offer the quality of the best robotic surgery locally, rather than them having to travel out of county.
"As a team we have been training at a world-class centre in Belgium to hone our skills.
"Whilst the operation itself is the same, the dexterity the robot offers is far above what a human hand can attain.
"With improved vision and enhanced capabilities, we expect to see patients recover more quickly and to be able to offer procedures that we’ve previously not be able to do in Cornwall."
The first procedure took place on Monday, July 6, marking a significant step forward in patient care for the county.
The technology will support surgeries for a range of conditions, including cancers of the digestive and urinary systems, as well as endometriosis.
It was made possible through £2 million of funding from NHS England, along with strong backing from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, Rotary clubs, community supporters, and charity fundraisers.
Hundreds of patients are expected to benefit from robotic-assisted surgery in the years ahead.
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