Watford MP Dean Russell made another visit to Watford General Hospital, this time to celebrate its 100th robot-assisted operation.
The robots enable surgeons to carry out operations using minimally invasive surgical techniques in colorectal, gynaecology, urology and upper gastrointestinal specialities. Benefits include reduced post-operative pain and a faster recovery which leads to earlier discharge from hospital.
Mr Vanash Patel, consultant colorectal surgeon, is the driving force and vision behind the robotic programme at West Herts. All surgeons and their teams go through a comprehensive training course before carrying out robotic assisted surgery with patients. This includes practising using a trainer simulator, online e-learning modules, as well as face-to-face mentoring in the operating room.
Speaking at the visit Dean said “It was a pleasure to celebrate this important milestone this morning at Watford General Hospital which performed its 100th robot-assisted operation. Robot-assisted surgery delivers great clinical outcomes and I congratulate the innovative team at Watford General Hospital on being the quickest in the UK to perform 100 procedures.
It is great to see a new surgical era underway with game changing equipment for surgeons and theatre staff.”
