Lincolnshire hospital holds robot surgery open day

More than 500 people have had surgery using the robotic system since it was installed in 2022

A hospital has been demonstrating its robotic surgery equipment at a public open day.

The equipment was installed at Lincoln County Hospital in 2022 and is used on urology and colorectal cancer patients.

The system mimics the hand movements of a surgeon as they operate a console linked to the robot, enabling them to perform delicate procedures through the smallest of incisions.

Visitors had a chance to have a go with a simulator and demonstration model.

A number of students from local schools and colleges attended the event.

Consultant robotic surgeon, Mr Sridhar Dharmavaram said more than 500 patients had undergone surgery using the Da Vinci Xi system with "shorter stays in hospital and faster recoveries" compared with other techniques.

"This is the first demonstration event we've hosted of this kind, and the feedback from our patients, staff and the engineering students from local schools and colleges who were able to join us has been great," he said.

"We are very proud of the services we are developing in Lincolnshire, and of the opportunities it offers to patients and those interested in a career in healthcare."

Visitors could try their hand at using the system by using a simulator

One of the visitors was Mel Foster, from Marston, who had robotic-assisted surgery last year.

"Normally I would be the person turning away from seeing anything medical on television, but this is very impressive," he said.

"I really appreciate what the team has done for me."