Robot surgeons on standby for more operations to cut NHS waits [English]

Article by Eleanor Hayward | Source The Times | Read the full article in English

The National Health Service (NHS) in England is taking a significant step towards modernizing surgical procedures by introducing advanced robotic technology. These sophisticated machines are set to revolutionize how certain medical operations are performed, with a primary focus on reducing patient waiting times and improving surgical precision.

The health watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), has granted approval for robotic systems to be used in 11 different types of surgical procedures. These robots will initially focus on common operations like knee and hip replacements, which currently affect around 200,000 patients annually in the United Kingdom. Beyond joint surgeries, the robotic systems will also be capable of performing more complex procedures such as tumor removal, hernia repairs, and gallbladder surgeries.

What makes these surgical robots remarkable is their ability to enhance surgical accuracy. The machines can stabilize and smooth out hand movements, allowing surgeons to perform more precise and less invasive operations. While the technology comes with a significant price tag—ranging from £500,000 to £1.5 million per system—the potential benefits in terms of patient outcomes and reduced recovery times could make these investments worthwhile for the NHS.

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