More than 10,000 patients across Scotland have benefitted from da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) since 2021, following a major expansion of da Vinci surgical systems which was designed to reduce rates of open surgery, improve equity of access and outcomes for patients, and enhance NHS productivity.
The expansion saw the Scottish Government invest in 12 additional da Vinci surgical systems since 2021, more than tripling the number of existing da Vinci surgical systems in the country. It had the primary aim of improving access to RAS for gynaecology and colorectal patients, the clinical specialties that had the highest rates of open surgery in Scotland.1,2 It also supported continued expansion in the already established programmes of urology, thoracic, and head and neck surgery.2
As a result, more patients in Scotland have been able to benefit from minimally invasive surgery, with the improved outcomes associated with da Vinci RAS, such as quicker recovery times, fewer complications, and a reduced chance of readmission,3,4 helping to improve productivity across Scotland.
Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which surgeons use da Vinci surgical systems to perform delicate and complex operations through a few small incisions. Surgeons have total control of the system’s movements, benefitting from the enhanced visualisation, dexterity, precision and ergonomics that da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical systems provide.
Professor Campbell Roxburgh, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, University of Glasgow, said: “Thanks to the Scottish Government’s continued investment in this cutting edge technology and its ongoing implementation across the nation, we are now realising what we set out to achieve through the expansion – we have vastly reduced rates of open surgery and we have improved equity of access to robotic-assisted surgery and its associated outcomes for patients. To reach this significant national milestone is testament to that.”
Improved access to da Vinci RAS has been helping to support national healthcare ambitions, forming a key component of the Scottish Cancer Action Plan for 2023-2026.5
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These surgical robots have transformed the experience of surgery for a number of patients across NHS Scotland, as well as easing the pressure on surgeons, with procedures that are less physically demanding to carry out. Crucially, by providing more opportunities for surgeons to carry out robotic-assisted procedures we can attract a broader pool of surgeons to work here, helping us build a stronger NHS Scotland for the future.”
David Marante, Vice President of Intuitive UK and Ireland, makers of the da Vinci surgical system, said: “We’d like to congratulate all the surgeons and care teams across the NHS in Scotland who have pioneered the use of our da Vinci surgical systems to advance minimally invasive care and reach this incredible milestone of 10,000 patients treated since 2021.
“We remain committed to supporting NHS Scotland as it continues to expand access to minimally invasive da Vinci surgery for patients, to reduce rates of open surgery while improving outcomes for patients and delivering sustainable productivity improvements.”
Jennifer Bamforth, Head of Policy and Influencing at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Bowel cancer is Scotland’s fourth most common cancer and surgery is the most common treatment for the disease. However, too often it’s open surgery and this can mean a longer recovery time, so any initiative like this that can reduce the time spent in hospital recovering is very welcome. It is great to see it has already helped 10,000 patients across Scotland.”
References
1. Prof Campbell Roxburgh (2024), ‘We have the technology’. Available at: https://rcsed.shorthandstories.com/we-have-the-technology/index.html. [Last Accessed: January 2025].
2. Scottish Government (2021), ‘Surgical robots for NHS Scotland’. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/news/surgical-robots-for-nhs-scotland/. [Last Accessed: January 2025].
3. Examples of improved access: NHS Highland (2022). ‘Robotic surgery transforming patient care in the Highlands’. Available at: https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/news/2022/06/robotic-surgery-transforming-patient-care-in-the-highlands/. [Last Accessed: January 2025]; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (2023), ‘Glasgow Royal Infirmary Robotics Team hits 500 surgery milestone’. Available at: https://www.nhsggc.scot/glasgow-royal-infirmary-robotics-team-hits-500-surgery-milestone/. [Last Accessed: January 2025].
4. Reddy et al (2023), ‘Advancements in Robotic Surgery: A Comprehensive Overview of Current Utilizations and Upcoming Frontiers’. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10784205/. [Last Accessed: January 2025].
5. Scottish Government (2023), ‘Cancer action plan 2023 to 2026’. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/cancer-action-plan-scotland-2023-2026/documents/. [Last Accessed: January 2025].
