Newcastle’s colorectal team uses the latest technological advances to improve patient outcomes and care.
Across the RVI and Freeman Hospital sites robotic systems have been used since 2013. The Freeman Hospital uses the Da Vinci Si System and the RVI the latest Xi system.
Robotic surgery gives the surgeon high definition, 3D vision with a magnified view inside the patient’s body. The system translates all hand movements into smaller, precise movements of tiny instruments in the patient’s body.
Surgeons who use robotic-assisted surgery operate through a few small incisions in the abdomen (stomach area). This means it is a safe and effective way of treating problems with the colon, rectum and anus (bowel).
Studies have shown that a robotic approach can reduce the need for conversion to a larger (open) incision. This, in turn, can also reduce the time that you need to stay in hospital compared with standard open surgery. It also means a reduced need for blood transfusion during the operation, and a reduced change of sexual problems after surgery.
Robotic expertise
There are only 30 hospitals in the UK currently offering this type of surgery. In addition, the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre at the Freeman Hospital is the only cadaveric colorectal robotic training centre in the UK.
Two of the surgeons at the RVI Miss Neena Randhawa and Mr Peter Coyne sit on the national colorectal board for robotic surgery (ACPGBI Robotic Committee).
Mr Peter Coyne and Mr Paul Hainsworth specialise in robotic cancer surgery including advanced and recurrent tumours.
Professor Alan Horgan has set-up and created the Robotic abdominal wall hernia service at the Freeman Hospital.
Will I have robotic surgery?
Your surgeon will discuss with you if you are suitable for this type of approach for your operation.
