NHS first as Barts patient treated with new surgical robot
A patient at Barts Health NHS Trust is the first in the NHS to have lung cancer surgery using the newest robotic surgical technology.
The operation was carried out at St Bartholomew’s Hospital using the dual console da Vinci 5 Surgical System, developed by Intuitive. The milestone marks the next stage in Barts Health’s long-established robotic-assisted surgery programme, with thousands of patients benefitting to date.
Ian Macleod, a retired detective and volunteer diving coach from Romford, was the first to undergo the robotic-assisted thoracic procedure on Thursday (April 2).
Speaking of the experience, he said:
I agreed to using this new technology for my procedure without hesitation. Having previously visited members of my extended family at St Bartholomew's Hospital, and knowing what great treatment they had received, I knew I'd be in good hands.
As far as I'm concerned, the care and treatment I received at Barts was second to none. I am now looking forward to getting on with my life with my family, friends, and of course, our dog.
(Ian, pictured with his wife, Mary.)
Robotic-assisted surgery enables surgeons to perform complex operations through small incisions using precise instruments controlled by the surgeon, helping to reduce trauma to the body.
With generous support from Barts Charity, Barts Health has been developing robotic-assisted surgery for many years. The first systems were introduced in 2017, and since then the Trust has become one of the UK’s leading centres for robotic-assisted procedures. Today, robotic-assisted surgery takes place across St Bartholomew’s, The Royal London, and Whipps Cross hospitals, supporting patients across a range of specialties, including thoracic, cardiac, urology, gynaecology, colorectal, upper GI, hepatobiliary and head and neck.
(Surgical team.)
The new da Vinci 5 system strengthens the Trust’s robotics capability further, alongside Whipps Cross Hospital expanding its da Vinci programme, helping to increase access to robotic-assisted surgery across north east London.
The da Vinci 5 is Intuitive’s latest surgical system, with updated technology and more computing capability than earlier versions. It is designed to help surgeons see and work more clearly during operations, help surgical teams work more efficiently and support patient outcomes. The system also gathers information from procedures to support surgeons’ ongoing learning and improvement.
Sasha Stamenkovic, consultant thoracic surgeon and director of robotic surgery, said:
Being the first centre in the UK to use this system for thoracic surgery reflects the strength of our clinical teams, our commitment to innovation, and our focus on delivering the very best outcomes for patients, while strengthening our role as a national and international centre for training and research.
Robotic‑assisted surgery uses smaller cuts than traditional open surgery, which usually means less pain and a quicker recovery. Studies show that patients having da Vinci robotic surgery often spend less time in hospital, have fewer complications, and get back to everyday activities sooner than with open or standard keyhole surgery.
Mr Dincer Aktuerk, consultant cardiac surgeon specialising in robotic procedures, said:
Robotic-assisted techniques are increasingly being adopted across cardiac surgery worldwide, including both mitral valve repair and selected coronary artery bypass procedures. The ability to perform complex heart surgery through minimally invasive approaches represents a significant advance for patients, offering the potential for faster recovery and reduced surgical trauma.
As the technology continues to evolve, we expect robotic surgery to play an increasingly important role in the treatment of cardiac disease.
Barts Health’s robotics programme is internationally recognised, with over 5,000 procedures carried out since it began, including over 2,500 at St Bartholomew’s alone.
The Trust also trains surgeons from across the UK and overseas.