An 88-year-old patient at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has made a remarkable recovery following robotic assisted surgery after a visit to the emergency department found he had bowel cancer. This recovery is thanks to the precision, skill, and innovation of the surgical team.
Mr. Leech arrived at the A&E department after experiencing discomfort during a family trip. After thorough examinations, it was clear that he had a life threatening bowel obstruction caused by a newly diagnosed bowel cancer.
At the age of 88, the priority was to ensure a smooth and swift recovery while maintaining his quality of life. In this case, robotic surgery was the best option to minimise the risks associated with major bowel surgery for older patients
Following the surgery, Mr. Leech made a remarkable recovery and expressed his gratitude for the exceptional care he received throughout his hospital stay. His experience serves as a testament to the commitment of the team at Gateshead Health to deliver high quality, compassionate care.
Mr Leech shares his experience:
On the 7 April, I had constipation, I was given sachets by my GP which didn’t work, so I did something I have never done and came to A&E. Once they examined me, they sent me for a scan and was given bad news that I have a tumour and had to stay in. I was told I would see the doctor who put a camera through the tumour and added a stent.
I received a letter to come and see Miss Ali who explained everything by giving me options of surgery or chemo. Surgery was the best option so we went with that and on 20 May I had the operation. My hernia was also treated; nothing was a problem for her! And I feel fine now.
Everything was okay after the operation, and I was told I could eat and drink anything I wanted. I had no problem or pain at all with Miss Ali’s surgery, she was marvellous I am pleased I got her to do the job, thank you
Mr Leech and his son also praised the nursing team who provided him with all the information he needed, leaflets and support via the telephone.
The multidisciplinary team of colorectal surgeons, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, and theatre staff worked to deliver the surgery. During robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon sits at a special console in the operating theatre that provides a high-definition, 3D views inside the patient’s body. The system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments.
Dr Fiaz Ahmad, Associate Medical Director comments on this work, “We are proud that Gateshead Health is leading the way in a multi-specialty robotic programme and this case highlights what we are striving for as a trust by combining clinical expertise, best technology and team work to deliver outstanding patient care”
Miss Oroog Ali, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon comments on the surgery “Robotic surgery allows us to perform simple to complex procedures with great precision and improved recovery for patients.
It means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to independence. This is a good example of how digital innovation is improving patient outcomes,”
Gateshead Health first introduced robotic surgery in 2022 and is among the increasing number of NHS hospitals adopting robotic surgery in cancer care, enabling more patients, regardless of age, to access this innovative treatment.
This initiative aligns with the NHS long-term plan, which emphasises the use of digital and technological solutions to enhance patient care. Robotic-assisted surgery significantly improves surgical performance, speeding up recovery to benefit both patients and hospital services.