The first robotic-assisted surgery to remove part of the oesophagus and stomach has taken place at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH). 54-year-old Lee Moreton, from King’s Lynn, underwent the 14-hour operation as part of his treatment plan for cancer.
The NNUH has become one of only five sites across the UK to offer the highly specialist surgery, which can reduce the length of a hospital stay for patients. Mr Moreton was discharged just five days after his surgery, two days earlier than usual after an oesophagectomy, and with no complications.
Quicker recovery
An oesophagectomy is a two-stage procedure performed within both the abdomen and chest. Traditionally the procedure is performed either through open surgery, leaving much larger wounds and increased risk of infection, or minimally invasive laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques, which the NNUH have been at the forefront in developing. Both stages of the procedure, to remove a tumour from Mr Moreton’s oesophagus, were carried out robotically.
The average length of time a patient undergoing an oesophagectomy stays in hospital ranges from seven to 13 days. The NNUH is currently above average with a typical stay lasting seven days and the hope is that a robotic approach will help improve recovery further still for patients.
Robotic-assisted surgery requires only very small incisions, controlled remotely by a surgeon using miniaturised cameras and instruments, leading to reduced pain and blood loss and improved recovery times.
“Absolutely fantastic”
Mr Nicholas Penney, the Consultant Oesophagogastric Surgeon who performed the surgery on Mr Moreton, said: “The case was very challenging due to the tumour being densely adhered to the lining of the heart and airways following radiotherapy treatment.
“Previously this would have necessitated the procedure being performed through an open thoracotomy incision. However, the improved 3D vision, dexterity and precision of the robot allowed the procedure to be performed minimally invasively through small incisions.
“The hope is that this type of robotic surgery will continue to reduce complications such as pneumonia following surgery, reduce length of stay and aid in a quick return to full function for our future oesophagectomy patients.”
Mr Moreton said: “I can’t believe the general lack of pain and the mobility I have after surgery, it’s absolutely fantastic.
“I had open surgery years ago and that was much more difficult to deal with. I was told I’d be in at least a week so to go home after five days was great. It’s amazing what is available now.”
The Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity is currently running an appeal to fund two new robots at NNUH to help deliver more specialist surgery. For more information here.
