The da Vinci® Surgical System
The da Vinci® Surgical System provides surgeons with unparalleled visibility and range of motion far greater than the human hand and wrist. This means more precise and intricate movements can be made during surgery with exceptional accuracy and smaller incisions. A phenomenal step forward for patient outcomes and recovery.
Hear Dr Kathryn Oakland, Director of Robotics at HCA UK explain why patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery assisted by the da Vinci® can expect to return home faster, with less pain, less trauma and more mobility.
How does da Vinci® robotic surgery work?
While procedures vary, the process of robotic surgery typically involves tiny incisions being made and a small 3D camera and surgical instruments placed inside the patient, giving the surgeon a 360 degree view of the operative area. The surgeon then sits at a console within the theatre, using the hand and foot controls to move the robotic arms and perform the necessary treatment.
Compared to traditional techniques, this minimally invasive approach can cause less damage to surrounding tissue and nerves and drastically reduce a patient’s hospital stay and their risk of infection.
Watch our robotic assisted surgeons in action, please note viewer discretion is advised as video depicts a real-life surgical procedure.
Why da Vinci® robotics at HCA UK?
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Leadership
Experienced consultant clinical leadership, steered by the HCA Robotics Council.
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Patient volumes
In 2020 HCA UK performed over 500 robotic procedures – more than any other UK private hospital provider.
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Credentialing
Only the most proficient robotic surgeons practise with us. Our rigorous governance process monitors clinical excellence through regular assessment of patient volumes and outcomes and surgical performance and training.
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Clinical pathways
Every patient offered minimally invasive surgery will receive specialist care throughout their treatment. From bespoke pre-operative planning to post-operative enhanced monitoring.
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Multidisciplinary approach
Robotic surgery is delivered via a multidisciplinary team consisting of consultant surgeons, surgical care practitioners, theatre nurses, fellows and anaesthetists
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Operational excellence
We have robotic co-ordinators in each centre to enhance the full capability of our company wide robotics programme.
Our robotic specialists
We work with top surgeons from NHS teaching hospitals who bring decades of clinical experience to deliver the best in robotic surgery.
Find a robotic surgeon specialised in:
Robotic capabilities across multiple specialties
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Urology icon plus
For kidney, bladder and prostate conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic prostatectomy - the international gold standard for surgical treatment of prostate cancer. We continue to see improved cancer outcomes and less nerve damage in patients post surgery. It is widely accepted as the most effective way to surgically treat urological cancer with 75% performed robotically within the NHS
- Robotic nephrectomy for kidney cancer - 77% of partial nephrectomies are performed robotically within the NHS
- Robotic cystectomy for bladder cancer
Available at: London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital, The Christie Private Care, The Wellington Hospital
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Gynaecology icon plus
For treatment of womb and ovarian conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic hysterectomy
- Robotic removal of endometriosis
Robotic technology has made hysterectomies far safer and less invasive. By using a robotically assisted laparoscopic technique, the surgeon has a greater view which allows them to be much more accurate throughout the procedure. It also reduces the chance of the surgeon having to convert to an open operation in comparison to a standard laparoscopic approach where visibility may be limited.
Available at: London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital, The Christie Private Care, The Wellington Hospital, The Lister Hospital
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Colorectal icon plus
For treatment of colon and rectal conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer
- Robotic colectomy for colon cancer
Non-robotic surgical techniques can result in patients requiring a colostomy to ensure the safety of the surgical joins. However when using the robot, as the surgeon’s view is so much better, we’re finding that fewer patients need a colostomy. This means in many cases there’s less need for a second operation, and they can avoid living with a stoma.
Available at: The Princess Grace Hospital, The Wellington Hospital, London Bridge Hospital, The Christie Private Care , The Lister Hospital
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Liver and pancreas icon plus
For treatment of liver cancer and pancreas cancer. Common procedures include:
- Robotic hepatectomy
- Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (also known as a Whipple procedure)
Available at: The Princess Grace Hospital, The Christie Private Care
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Upper Gastrointestinal icon plus
For treatment of gallbladder and stomach conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic cholecystectomy for gallstones
- Robotic fundoplication for reflux disease
Available at: The Princess Grace Hospital, The Christie Private Care, The Wellington Hospital, The Lister Hospital, London Bridge Hospital
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Head, Neck and Thyroid icon plus
For treatment of conditions of the mouth and throat. Common procedures include:
- Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for head and neck cancer, or obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring.
The dexterity of the robot means surgeons can locate small growths in the mouth and in the throat without having to perform open surgery via the face to expose the neck. This reduces patient trauma significantly without having to risk damage to nerves or vital blood vessels.
Available at: London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital
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Thoracic icon plus
For treatment of chest conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis or thymus tumours
- Robotic lung surgery for lung cancer
Traditionally, thoracic surgery would be performed through a large cut to the chest which can be incredibly uncomfortable. As the chest is always moving, healing and recovery can be challenging – with intense physiotherapy and rehabilitation required.
By reducing the size of the cuts through robotic surgery, patients’ pain relief is much lower, their rehabilitation needs are reduced and they can return to normal activities more quickly.
Available at: London Bridge Hospital
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Weight loss surgery icon plus
Common procedures include robotic gastric sleeve or robotic gastric bypass.
At HCA UK patients are offered a full two year programme of follow-up care after surgery to provide ongoing nutritional advice and close monitoring of weight loss outcomes.
Available at: The Princess Grace Hospital
Discover more about da Vinci surgery
Patient stories
Chronic endometriosis: Antonia's story
Medical Device Network
Robotic gynaecology: a new frontier in surgery launches in London
Our specialist da Vinci® robotic centres
HCA Healthcare UK provides specialist robot surgery across a range of different medical specialties in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
Other robotic navigation systems at HCA UK
Mako® robot
Game changing navigation technology providing patients with more accurate placement of implants during hip and knee replacement surgery.
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ExcelsiusGPS®
Giving patients living with chronic back pain and other spinal conditions access to the latest and most effective minimally invasive technology.
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