A surgical robot introduced at Ealing Hospital just five weeks ago has already completed its 50th operation, as doctors increasingly turn to robotic-assisted surgery to help tackle waiting lists.
The Da Vinci robot, a multi-million-pound system equipped with several robotic arms, is mainly being used for lower-complexity, high-volume procedures. It is the latest addition to the surgical robotics programme operated by London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) and is one of three robotic systems now working across the trust’s hospital sites.
Hospital leaders say robotic-assisted surgery can improve precision and efficiency, helping more patients receive treatment sooner while supporting surgeons with complex procedures.
Its predecessor, based at St Mark’s Hospital in Park Royal since 2018, is approaching a major milestone of 1,000 procedures.
Consultant surgeon Hemant Sheth has been among the most frequent users of the new technology, carrying out more than 20 operations since its arrival.
Mr Sheth said: “It takes a bit of getting used to but is a fantastic piece of equipment and we hope to get more of our surgical colleagues trained in robotics in the near future.”
