Lincoln County Hospital surgeons give students and patients rare hands-on experience with robotic-assisted procedure systems.
A surgery team has welcomed visitors into their world, with the rare opportunity to view and use robotic-assisted procedure systems.
The Colorectal Surgery Team at Lincoln County Hospital invited students and past patients to get a hands-on experience in using state-of-the-art technology in one of the hospital’s operating theatres.
Using a simulator and duplicate model of the Da Vinci Xi system, the team was able to showcase how robotic-assisted procedures have been making a difference in patients’ lives.
Consultant robotic surgeon, Mr Sridhar Dharmavaram said: “The introduction of robotic-assisted surgery in Lincolnshire has been very positive.
“More than 500 people were able to have their surgery closer to home in the first two years of having this technology in place, with shorter stays in hospital and faster recoveries when compared to laparoscopic (keyhole) surgeries.”
The event was made possible by the Netherlands who delivered the systems for the one-day event.
“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,” Mr Dharmavaram added.
“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.”
The demonstration was attended by engineering students from William Farr School, Lincoln College, Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School and Lincoln University Technical College as well as patients who have received robotic-assisted surgery from the hospital.
A past patient, Mel Foster said: “Normally I would be the person turning away from seeing anything medical on television, but this is very impressive.
“I really appreciate what the team has done for me.”