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Robot assisted surgery arrives at Raigmore Hospital


By Gavin Musgrove

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Raigmore Hospital’s theatre department has taken delivery of a state-of-the-art system for delivering Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) to local patients.

The dual console DaVinci Xi robot, produced by Intuitive Surgical, allows complex surgical procedures to be performed using a minimally invasive approach.

The ability to deliver robotic surgery will bring NHS Highland to the forefront of surgical delivery and has received a warm welcome from the team who will be working with it at the Inverness hospital

Mr Colin Richards, colorectal consultant at Raigmore Hospital, said: “This is the most advanced surgical technology in the world and I’m confident that it will bring huge benefits to our patients.”

“The robot offers so many advantages over conventional surgery; it smooths out natural hand tremor and gives the operator a magnified 3D view, allowing precision surgery to be done in confined spaces.

"We anticipate it will make surgery safer for our patients, limit the time they spend in hospital and allow them to return to normal life as quickly as possible.

“The whole team are excited about its arrival and we can’t wait to get started.”

The robotic platform, which cost just under £2 million was purchased as part of a Scottish Government initiative to modernise surgical care across the country.

While staff are keen to start using the robot everyone must complete the necessary courses and simulation training so it is expected that the robot will be operation late summer 2021.

Mr Alan Grant, Clinical Director for Surgery at Raigmore Hospital, said: “We’re delighted to take delivery of the robot.

"There has been quite a buzz about the department since it arrived.

“This helps us maintain our status as one of the five cancer centres in Scotland and it will also support our already flourishing recruitment to Raigmore.

“This is a fantastic addition to NHS Highland and I am excited to see it in use.”


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