State-of-the-art robotics have been approved for use on the NHS in a move that could transform treatment for thousands of people in England.
Adoption of the technology could lead to shorter stays in hospital and faster recovery times, as well as slashing the risk of complications, according to officials. A total of 11 systems have been given the green light by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) under its early value assessment programme.
Some allow surgeons to perform operations using mechanical arms controlled from a console, while others are hand-held. Five of the systems are used for soft tissue surgeries, such as removing tumours, repairing hernias and removing gallbladders. The remaining six are used in orthopaedics, including knee and hip replacements.
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Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of Nice’s HealthTech programme, said: “These innovative technologies have the potential to transform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS. Robot-assisted surgery may help overcome key limitations of conventional techniques through precise movements and enhanced 3D visualisation, potentially transforming surgical options and outcomes for NHS patients.
“Both applications could benefit patients who might not otherwise be candidates for minimally invasive approaches.”
Under the guidance, the 11 systems can be used over the coming three years while more evidence is collected. Among the issues Nice will look at are how the technology affects the length of hospital stays and waiting lists, as well as the resources used for training staff and the costs of implementing the systems.
Dr Chalkidou added: “The data gathered over the next three years will allow us to evaluate exactly how these technologies can improve patient care and help ensure NHS resources are directed toward interventions that deliver meaningful clinical benefits and long-term value to our health service.”
In 2011-12, the majority of robot-assisted procedures were for urological cancer, which can include cancer in the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles, according to Nice. By last year, almost half of these operations were for other conditions, with a surge in the use of robotic surgeries for bowel cancer, which now accounts for a quarter of all robot-assisted procedures.
Making greater use of digital technologies in the NHS is one of the three shifts set to be outlined by the Government in its forthcoming 10-year health plan. It is also expected to focus more on sickness prevention and moving care from hospitals into the community.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said: “This is fantastic news for patients and shows that the NHS continues to find new ways to utilise the latest technological innovations to improve care. This will be a vital element of the 10-year health plan which will be published in the coming months.
“Robot-assisted surgery is crucial to the future of high-quality healthcare – and with benefits including shorter stays in hospital, faster recovery for patients and less invasive procedures, these advancements will have a knock-on effect throughout the system and help patients get treated quicker. This is an important step forward as we continue to work to ensure everyone is able to get high-quality care when they need it.”
Nuha Yassin, a consultant colorectal surgeon and Royal College of Surgeons of England council member, described the Nice guidance as a “significant step forward”. She said: “The potential for faster recovery times, reduced complications and increased access to minimally invasive procedures could transform patient care. It remains important that, in introducing these new technologies, NHS trusts and surgical teams ensure they are working within the guidelines set out by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, so that they are implemented in the safest way possible for patients.”
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