All-Wales Robotic Assisted Surgery Programme

This UK Robotics Week, we are celebrating the successes of the All-Wales Robotic Assisted Surgery Programme.

With the aim of improving outcomes for cancer patients in Wales, state-of-the-art surgical robots are supporting colorectal and gynaecological cancer surgeons across Betsi Cadwaladr and Cardiff and Vale University Health Boards to perform precise, minimal access surgery that is of a benefit to the patient.

Using CMR Surgical’s Versius robot, surgeons are able to perform complex procedures accurately, with the surgeon operating four robotic arms from an independent, open console.

Since the programme’s inception in March 2022, the teams across the two Health Boards have successfully:

• Undertaken 130 hours of robotic-assisted surgery

• Trained 69 members of staff

• Completed 135 cases

A few weeks ago, Raymond Leyshon, 62, was the 100th person to undergo robotic surgery in Wales using the Versius robot.

Talking about his experience of surgery at the University Hospital of Wales, he said: “I am amazed by my experience of having undergone keyhole surgery for an anterior resection. For me, keyhole surgery was much more desirable than normal surgery, as I was uncomfortable with the idea of prolonged recovery period and being left with large scarring on my abdomen.

“The robotics surgery has been life changing for me, as it enabled me to get back home to my family just four days after my procedure, and aside from my stoma bag, I have virtually no scarring and am now in a position to progress with the next stage of my recovery journey.

“The entire team at the hospital have been incredible, from the specialist teams, the consultants and the radiographers, everyone has been amazing, and I truly would bang the drum for the innovations made in robotics surgery and what this has meant for me and my recovery.” To find out more about the programme, please visit this webpage.