A group of medical doctors got hands on experience with the future of surgery by beginning their training with robotic assisted surgery.
The new robotic surgery suite at the University Hospital of North Tees opened earlier this year.
Commitment
Reflecting the hospital’s commitment to practical training, a special training room was incorporated into the plans.
The doctors, some of whom will specialise in gynaecology surgery, got to grips with the multi-million pound Da Vinci robotic surgery machine.
The high-tech kit allows for less invasive procedures and usually speeds up recovery time.
Sarah Waite, robotic surgery matron, said: “Robotic-assisted surgery is the future.
“It’s much more precise, more efficient and less intrusive for patients.
Having this incredible kit and a bespoke theatre and training suite is a huge benefit for patients and in attracting doctors to our hospital.
“The doctors we are training will spend a year with us, learning all the intricacies of robotic-assisted surgery. It’s not an easy task but I’m sure they will all rise to the occasion.”
The robotic suite currently carries out two to four surgeries a day, for gynaecology, colorectal and urology procedures.
Excited
Dr. Sarah Safdar, training in obstetrics and gynaecology, said: “This is my first time seeing the robotic surgery process. It’s a new innovation in gynaecology and I’m really excited to learn more.”