Bradford hospitals acquire another da Vinci surgical 'robot'

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT), which is responsible for the BRI, has just taken delivery of its second state-of-the-art ‘da Vinci’ robotic-assisted surgical system – or ‘robots.’

This makes it one of the first trusts in the region to have more than one da Vinci ‘robot.’ 

The acquisition of another of these latest specification operating systems now means the hospital can expand its reputation as a multi-speciality robotic centre.

The ‘robot’ is named after the renowned Italian Renaissance painter, scientist and sculptor Leonardo da Vinci (Image: BRI)

The Trust pioneered robotic urological cancer surgery in Yorkshire with the advent of its first robotic-assisted surgical system back in 2012.

This original ‘robot’ was upgraded with the latest and most up-to-date £1.7 million da Vinci Xi robotic operating system in April 2022.

But the acquisition of a second da Vinci Xi ‘robot’ means that a wider variety of cancer surgeries can now be operated on.

As well as urological (prostate, bladder, kidney) and head and neck cancer surgeries, patients will now be able to undergo robotic-assisted surgery for a variety of colorectal procedures, bowel and gynaecological cancers as well as hernia repair.

Consultant Urological Surgeon and the Trust’s Cancer Lead, Raj Singh said: “The acquisition of our second ‘robot’ is fantastic news for our Trust and of course for our patients.

“This really puts Bradford on the map regionally, nationally and even internationally as we can now offer an enhanced programme of innovative multi-speciality robotic-assisted procedures and surgeries; a greater number of patients with different conditions will be able to be treated and benefit from this innovative type of surgery.

“Having two of these robotic-assisted systems will allow us to run two theatre lists for robotic-assisted surgery at the same time.”

Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon Tabitha Gana added: “Minimally invasive colorectal surgery has been delivered expertly at Bradford for many years now; however, with the arrival of the second da Vinci Xi, we have the opportunity to take it one step further utilising innovative robotic technology.

“The fact that we will also be able to offer an enhanced programme of multi-speciality robotic surgery is good news for our patients. The longer-term benefits of robotic surgery for patients include shorter stays in the hospital as well as quicker recovery times as this type of surgery is less invasive."