First robotic hysterectomies carried out at hospital

A hospital in Kent has carried out its first ever robot-assisted hysterectomies.

Surgeons at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, in Margate, have begun operating on patients using the Medtronic Hugo robot, which was installed earlier this year.

Kirstine Goldsack, 56, was one of the first patients, and following her procedure on Friday, she was able to go home 24 hours later.

Goldsack, who lives in Canterbury, said she was "a little bit apprehensive at first", but called the experience "really positive".

The grandmother, who works in education, opted to have her womb removed to control bleeding she was experiencing following the menopause.

"I'd given all the other treatments suggested a good go, but nothing seemed to work," said Goldsack.

"It was affecting my quality of life, because I wanted to enjoy my grandchild and to plan things but I could never predict how I might be feeling.

"It got to the point where I'd had enough, and a hysterectomy felt like the best way to resolve things," she said.

Gynae-oncology consultant Rema Lyer was one of those who carried out the procedure.

She said she was "delighted" to be able to offer the robotic-assisted surgery.

"The benefits are wide-ranging, from faster recovery and lower risk of infection, to more precision and control," she said.

"Investing in the latest technology means we are able to provide safer, more advanced care to our communities, which will also help us recruit more consultants to join us in east Kent."

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