Norfolk hospital first in UK to carry out robotic bowel cancer surgery in a day
The patient was sent home to recover within 23 hours
Last updated 7th Dec 2022
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has become the first in the UK, and amongst the first in Europe, to carry out a robotic-assisted bowel cancer surgery as a day case.
State-of-the-art robotic surgery from the Norfolk hospital means certain patients will be able to recover at home within 23 hours of admission to NNUH.
The national average length of stay for patients needing high anterior resection of the rectum for colorectal cancer surgery is seven days.
It's hoped the development will improve patient experience and recovery time whilst reducing pressure on hospital beds by using the latest surgical innovations and health monitoring technology.
Andrew Rice, 56, from Coltishall, was admitted on 1 November for robotic-assisted surgery to remove a section of his bowel and returned home 23 hours later.
His blood pressure, temperature and pulse were monitored 24/7 for the next four days through the NNUH Virtual Ward where he received regular calls from the clinical team.
Mr Rice said he had no concerns about leaving hospital so soon after major surgery:
“It has been brilliant, and I cannot fault the service. Being looked after by the Virtual Ward is definitely better than being in hospital. They rang me several times a day and the arm band monitored me 24/7 at home – the technology is easy to use. Every team I have seen have been superb...
“I feel fine, and the scars have healed well. I only had to take paracetamol after the surgery and did not need stronger pain killers. I’m awaiting to find out the next steps with further treatment and chemotherapy.”
Mr Ahmed EL Hadi, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at NNUH, said: “We are excited to have established a robotic colorectal day-case programme, which is a massive accomplishment combining two excellent innovations – robotic surgery and the Virtual Ward.”
“This may not be suitable for all patients, but the minimally-invasive surgery and use of remote monitoring by our clinicians means that we can safely discharge patients earlier after colorectal surgery and reduce length of stay in hospital. They get better sleep at home, home-cooked food and have their family and pets around them to aid their recovery.”
Five years ago, the NNUH became the first hospital in the region to carry out bowel cancer surgeries using robotic-assisted technology.
Now, the Sir Thomas Browne Academic Colorectal Unit has three Consultants who regularly carry out robotic-assisted surgery to remove bowel cancer.