National Robotic Assisted Surgery Programme surpasses 500 cases with Versius robot

Last week the All-Wales National Robotic Assisted Surgery Programme announced it has surpassed 500 robotic assisted surgical cases using the Versius robot. The 500th surgical procedure was performed at the University Hospital of Wales by Jared Torkington, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Jared Torkington, the Lead Clinician for the All-Wales National Robotic Assisted Programme, said: “Having been involved in the programme since its inception, it is exciting to acknowledge this significant milestone.”

The All-Wales Robotic Assisted Surgery Programme began in 2002. It is a national partnership between Cambridge-based robotics company CMR Surgical, NHS Wales and Life Sciences Hub Wales to improve surgical outcomes, quality of care and patient experience.

Using Versius allows surgeons to use minimally invasive keyhole surgery, helping patients to recover quicker and with less risks of infection.

The All-Wales National Robotic Assisted Surgery Programme involves surgery at the University Hospital of Wales as well as Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s Royal Glamorgan Hospital. Through the programme, Versius is used to perform a range of robotic-assisted surgical procedures across colorectal surgery, gynaecology colorectal surgery, gynaecology and upper GI surgery.

93 staff spanning 14 surgical teams across the three hospitals have been trained to perform precise, minimal access surgery that is of a benefit to the patient.

Thanks to the system’s versatility, Versius is being used for a range of routine and complex surgical procedures, including hemicolectomies, hysterectomies and cholecystectomies. The 500th case completed within the programme was an anterior resection, a procedure commonly used to treat rectal cancers and other bowel disease

Jared Torkington said: “From the outset, this national programme has embraced the latest innovation in Versius to drive improved patient outcomes and bring together surgical teams and resources. We are using the programme to highlight the importance of early presentation and existing screening programmes in Bowel and other cancers – positively changing public attitudes and behaviours.

“It is wonderful to reflect and see the progress that has been made, and the diversity of system usage across multiple surgical specialties, so that more patients across Wales can have access to this cutting-edge technology.”

Mark Slack, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at CMR Surgical said: “CMR are immensely proud to be a partner of this landmark initiative and look forward to seeing the progress the programme continues to make for patients in Wales by providing them access to life changing innovation.”

Cari-Anne Quinn, Chief Executive Officer at Life Sciences Hub Wales said: “It is heartening to see the programme reach this important 500 case milestone, exemplifying what can be achieved for our patients when hospitals partner with industry to implement innovation such as Versius on a national scale. We look forward to continued collaboration across NHS Wales to drive this transformative initiative.”