New robotic gynaecology service is launched at London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital has launched a new Robotic Gynaecology Service

Offering improved accuracy, lower infection rates, shorter length of stay, and shorter recovery periods for female patients who need surgery. It joins The Christie Private Care in its offer of this pioneering approach.

 

Under the leadership of three renowned robotic consultants – Mr Simon Butler-Manuel, Mr Anil Tailor and Mr Jayanta Chatterjee – the new service caters to a wide variety of benign and malignant gynaecological conditions, by offering surgery using the latest robotic technology in addition to traditional laparoscopic treatments. 

This is especially beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many women are facing longer waits for routine surgery for benign gynaecological conditions - such as troublesome fibroids, endometriosis, and period problems – which are seen to be less urgent. 
It is really unfortunate that women with less urgent benign problems are being deferred and forced to face long, drawn-out waiting lists. Although their conditions are benign, they are still incredibly painful and debilitating, so treatment is vital and can be life-changing. The new Robotic Gynaecology Service at London Bridge Hospital will offer a solution for these women, which they will probably have not even considered – and I’m delighted to be at the helm of it.

Prof Jayanta Chatterjee , Consultant Gynaecologist at London Bridge Hospital

What kind of conditions can be treated with robotic surgery?

Benign applications of robotic surgery in gynaecology include:

  • Complex hysterectomies
  • Fibroids in the uterus
  • Ovarian masses
  • Severe endometriosis
  • Severe adhesions from multiple previous surgeries
  • Anterior abdominal wall reconstruction
  • Uro-gynaecological procedures

What are the benefits of this new Robotic Gynaecology Service?

Through this minimally invasive service, key benefits to patients undergoing robotic-assisted procedures will include:

  • Shorter length of stay
  • Lower risk of infection 
  • Less scarring
  • Less blood loss and pain
  • Lower conversion rates to open than laparoscopic
  • Faster recovery times 
 
Mr Simon Butler-Manuel Robotic Gynae

Improving experience and outcomes

'The pendulum has swung to try and do everything minimally invasively to enable faster recovery and as brief a stay as possible in the hospital. Drawing on our combined 27 years of experience, we will use the new service to improve both treatment experience and results for gynaecology patients in London and across the UK.'


Mr Simon Butler-Manuel

Consultant Gynaecologist at London Bridge Hospital

Are there any benefits for surgeons performing these operations?

There are also benefits for the surgeons who use the robots, including; 

  • The ability to operate with greater precision and visibility
  • Reducing human error (natural tremor)
  • The ability to locate often hard-to-detect primary cancer
  • Physically less demanding on the surgeon due to console operating
  • A view and dexterity that can preserve other structures - such as vital nerves and blood vessels

Is it safe to use robots for surgeries?

Medical attitudes towards robotic surgery in the field of gynaecology desperately needs to shift. For example, robotic hysterectomies are extremely predictable and reliable, with the lowest rate of complications encountered compared with laparoscopic surgery. Other areas of healthcare, including urology and oncology, have been embracing the benefits of robotic surgery for many years, and their patients are better off because of it – so it’s time for gynaecology to do the same.

Mr Anil Taylor, Consultant Gynaecologist at London Bridge Hospital

Over the last 11 years, Mr Simon Butler-Manuel, Mr Anil Tailor and Mr Jayanta Chatterjee have performed over 1,400 gynae-robotic surgeries at The Royal Surrey (a key NHS Trust for gynaecology).

For more information, or to book a consultation, visit London Bridge Hospital 
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