Kingston Hospital’s surgical team welcomed its first state-of-the-art surgical robot on Friday 22 March, purchased thanks to the generosity of local resident and philanthropist Dame Marit Mohn.

Made up of three parts, the da Vinci Xi robot comprises: the patient cart (robot) which houses the camera and four instrument arms that the surgeon uses to perform surgery; the surgeon console which the surgeon sits at to control the instruments, while viewing the patient’s anatomy on a highly magnified high-definition (HD) 3D screen; and the vision cart or hub which includes a large HD screen that shows a live feed of the surgical procedure to everyone in theatre.

The surgical robot will initially be used for urology, colorectal and gynaecology surgery with the potential to expand into other surgical specialities in the future.

It promises to enable more accuracy and control during procedures, with patient benefits including less invasive surgery with less post operative complications, faster recovery times and shorter stays in hospitals.

The surgical team, who have already started their induction programme, led by robotic-assisted surgery pioneers Intuitive, aim to operate on their first patient at the beginning of May.

Chief of Surgery and Planned Care at Kingston Hospital Mr Sarb Sandhu said:

“The arrival of the robot will enable us to provide world-class surgical care to our local patients. Acquiring this innovative technology would not have been possible without Dame Marit’s extraordinary generosity. The surgical team are excited that the da Vinci has now arrived and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to our patients.”

Philanthropist Dame Marit Mohn said:

“As a longtime resident of Kingston, I am delighted to be able to support the introduction of surgical robotics at our local hospital. The purchase of a da Vinci Xi system will improve the treatment and care available for local people by utilising the latest technology.”

The arrival of the robot is a key element of Kingston Hospital’s clinical strategy and enables it to join the 30% of NHS trusts nationally, who already have one. Crucially it will also help the hospital to keep and attract the best surgeons and theatre staff.

Robotic-assisted surgery can also help to increase surgical productivity. Kingston Hospital has an impressive main theatre utilisations figure of nearly 100%, and the da Vinci Xi will help to treat more patients with a shorter-length of stay in hospital.

Philanthropic donations are playing an increasingly important role in enhancing treatment and care across Kingston Hospital, enabling it to keep pace with the latest healthcare technologies, as well creating patient-centred spaces designed to deliver the best care possible.  Without this financial support – this wouldn’t be possible.

Watch this space to hear news of the first patient operation.

Please click here to meet our da Vinci XI surgical robot.

If you are interested in supporting new technology and developments at Kingston Hospital, please call 020 8973 5040