An innovative robotic device that assists surgeons in minimally-invasive surgery has been used for the first time to remove a patient’s cancerous lung tumour at Papworth Hospital.
Brian Reedman, from Stamford, near Peterborough, is recovering well after the major surgery.
Although the freehand robotic telescope assist device had been used by surgeon Mr Aman Coonar more than 40 times since it was launched in 2012, this was the first time it has been used in an endoscopic video-assisted thorascopic lobectomy, which involves the removal of a tumour from the lungs.
Mr Coonar, clinical lead for thoracic surgery at Papworth Hospital, said: “The device has many advantages for surgery, it offers a very steady view, which is important for detailed surgery.
“It can also reduce surgeon fatigue and offers a new way of surgical training. It also means that an experienced surgical assistant is not needed to hold the telescope.
“This has never been more important as such skilled people are in short supply and successful minimally invasive surgery requires the right team and equipment.”
Other centres in the UK and abroad specialising in thoracic surgery are looking to start using the device in the near future.
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