Taking a big leap in the fight against prostate cancer, doctors have for the first time treated a British patient using a surgical robot.
Jeremy Lineham, 48, of Chichester, West Sussex, has become the first patient in Europe to have his prostate removed with the 2 million pounds da Vinci
Si gadget and check out of the hospital the next day.
The keyhole surgery was carried out by a team of doctors at London’s Guy’s Hospital, where an earlier version of the robot has been used for five years.
“Jeremy’s operation was a great success and we were impressed with the enhanced performance of the new robot,” The Daily Express quoted consultant urologist Declan Murphy as saying.
“Its dexterity and range of motion is far greater than the human hand, so the surgery is much more precise.
“The 3D high-definition massively enhances our view of the anatomy and with dual consoles two surgeons could operate simultaneously.
“This will allow training in a way not previously possible.
“We are planning to update to this version in the next few months so our patients can benefit from the best technology available,” he added.
Lineham said: “It’s incredible. Less than 24 hours after major surgery I was on my way home, and I don’t have to take any further medication for the cancer because the whole gland has been removed.”