Hospital to buy 'robotic surgeon'

The hospital trust said the machine means less trauma for patients

A Surrey hospital is to spend £1.6m on a robotic arm to make keyhole surgery less painful for patients.

Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey has agreed funding for the da Vinci machine for colorectal, urological and gynaecological procedures.

The robotic device can be used by a doctor sitting at a computer screen.

The trust said the equipment would mean less pain, smaller incisions, less bleeding, a lower infection risk and quicker recovery for patients.

The robot interprets the users' movements from the controls and carries out the action on the patient. It can even counteract any trembling in the surgeon's hands.

The trust's medical director Edward Palfrey said: "We have already embarked on a major upgrade of our operating theatres which when they are completed later this year will provide our patients with some of the best facilities available.

"To have the da Vinci robot as well will be the icing on the cake.

"It won't be appropriate to use it for all procedures but for many patients it will greatly improve their chances of a rapid and full recovery."