Robotic surgery ‘first’ for cancer patient
A PATIENT is recovering well after being the first in Britain to undergo a radical pelvic procedure using robotic surgery.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust conducted a pelvic extraction on Dean Walter to treat his advanced rectal cancer.
The 41-year-old from south London underwent the operation, which removes all of the organs from the pelvic area, with robotic technology – believed to be for the first time in Britain.
Traditionally, the surgery would have involved a large incision from the chest to the pubic bone. But the robotic technology meant the surgery was less invasive.
The father-of-one was diagnosed in 2017 and referred for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Further tests showed that the cancer had also spread to his pelvic lymph nodes.
Mr Walter said: “When I first heard that I was going to have robotic surgery I was intrigued, but also relieved knowing that I wouldn’t have huge scars across my chest and stomach.
“I’m really hoping that after this operation I can start getting back to living a normal life and can begin training again for my fitness competitions.
“I can’t thank the Royal Marsden enough. Their staff – the surgeons, doctors, nurses, everyone – have all been incredible.”
Surgeons used four robotic arms equipped with surgical equipment, controlled from a remote console.
After making small incisions to access the abdomen and pelvis, they used the arms to remove tissue and organs affected by the cancer.
The surgeons, doctors and nurses have all been incredible. Dean Walter, speaking after he underwent pioneering robotic surgery.