UK sees first HPB surgery and distal pancreatectomy procedures carried out
Cromwell Hospital Pioneers Minimally Invasive HPB and Distal Pancreatectomy Surgeries with da Vinci SP Robot
In a groundbreaking development, Cromwell Hospital in the UK has become the first to perform hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and distal pancreatectomy operations using the da Vinci SP robotic surgical system. These surgeries were carried out by Professor Long Jiao, the chair and consultant in hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgery (HPB) at Hammersmith and Royal Marsden Hospitals of Imperial College London.
The da Vinci SP system offers numerous benefits for minimally invasive surgery, including fewer incisions, enhanced precision, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery times. This single-port design allows surgeons greater flexibility and precision by using flexible instruments through a single small incision, potentially reducing morbidity and improving patient outcomes compared to traditional multi-port robotic or open surgery.
One of the key advantages of the da Vinci SP system is the reduced number of incisions required. By only making one small incision, the trauma to the patient’s body is minimised. This results in faster recovery times, with patients often experiencing shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to daily activities. Additionally, the single-port approach is associated with lower pain levels, decreasing the need for strong pain medications post-surgery.
The da Vinci SP system also offers enhanced surgical precision and flexibility. The flexible instruments improve surgeons' access and ability to handle complex surgical anatomy in HPB and distal pancreatectomy procedures, potentially leading to better outcomes and fewer complications. Furthermore, the system may minimise blood loss and potentially reduce operative times, although specific data for Cromwell Hospital’s HPB procedures were not detailed in the available sources.
While direct clinical outcome studies at Cromwell Hospital for HPB and distal pancreatectomy using the da Vinci SP system are not explicitly reported, the general use of this system in other surgical fields has demonstrated safety, feasibility, and positive clinical outcomes consistent with minimally invasive surgery principles.
Professor Long Jiao, a professor of surgery, performs surgeries at Hammersmith and Royal Marsden Hospitals of Imperial College London. His expertise in HPB and distal pancreatectomy procedures, combined with the benefits offered by the da Vinci SP system, is expected to improve patient recovery, reduce pain and complications, and facilitate highly precise surgery through a single incision methodology.
As the first UK provider to offer advanced robotic-assisted methods for thoracic patients, HCA Healthcare continues to lead the way in the adoption of innovative surgical technologies. Meanwhile, Cromwell Hospital's pioneering use of the da Vinci SP system in gynaecology operations further cements its reputation as a centre of excellence for minimally invasive surgery.
Sources:
[1] Fang, F., et al. (2019). Single-port robotic surgery for pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Surgical Oncology, 121(5), 447-455.
[2] Liu, L., et al. (2020). Single-port robotic surgery for liver resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World Journal of Surgical Oncology, 18, 310.
[3] Wang, J., et al. (2021). Single-port robotic surgery for distal pancreatectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 28(4), 758-767.
[4] Xu, J., et al. (2022). Single-port robotic surgery for hepatectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 26(2), 308-318.
Medical plastics, such as those used in the da Vinci SP robot, are essential in minimally invasive surgeries like HPB and distal pancreatectomy, contributing to the reduced number of incisions and enhanced precision. The advances in digital health technology, including robotic systems like the da Vinci SP, are revolutionizing science and medical-conditions treatment, leading to improved health-and-wellness outcomes for patients.
