Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) has become the only hospital in Europe to use sophisticated robots perform cancer and non cancer gynaecological surgeries. The announcement comes after the hospital was designated the first European Robotic Gynaecological Epicentre.
The new robot surgical platform called the da Vinci enables surgeons to perform complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach. The da Vinci is equipped with a high resolution 3D stereo immersing surgeons in an intense visual environment. Operating through a few incisions, the surgeon uses the master controls to manoeuvre the four robotic arms into position. The arms securely hold the instruments and high-resolution endoscopic camera. The instruments’ jointed-wrist design exceeds the natural range of motion of the human hand; motion scaling and tremor reduction further interpret and refine the surgeon’s hand movements.
A final hallmark of the da Vinci System is its fail-safe design – incorporating multiple, redundant safety features that minimize the risk for human error when compared with traditional approaches. So far the da Vinci Surgical System has garnered considerable benefits for patients, including less pain and scarring, reduced risk of infection, reduced blood loss and fewer transfusions, quicker recovery time and return to normal activities.
After performing the first robotic gynaecological surgery in the British Isles in 2007, CUMH established its Gynaecological Robotic programme in 2008. Presently there are only three other epicentres in Europe that use the system, but they do not offer both cancer and non cancer procedures.
Commenting on the news Professor John Higgins, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at UCC/CUMH said that, “Cork’s success as a training centre for robotic surgery is down to the enthusiasm and drive of our clinicians.” Prof Higgins added that the news was “a great example of the benefits of the HSE and UCC working in real partnership to ensure that our combined facilities and expertise can match the best in the world.”
Karrie Kehoe
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