Eleven robotic surgery systems have been approved for use in the NHS by NICE, which could improve patient care and increase access to procedures.
The technology, which is capable of movements more precise than the human hand, will be available in specialist NHS centres over the next three years.
During this period the systems, which cost between £500,000 and £1.5 million, will be assessed for cost effectiveness and to see if they should routinely be adopted across the NHS.
Five of the approved systems can be used for soft tissue procedures, such as hernia repair, removal of tumours and gallbladder removal. The other six are for orthopaedic procedures such as full and partial knee replacement and hip replacements.
Some of the systems allow surgeons to perform procedures using mechanical arms controlled by a console, but others are handheld. They can improve recovery times, reduce complications and potentially increase access to the procedures, according to NICE.
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. 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.
‘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.’
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, added:‘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.’
It comes as 14 innovations were recently granted a total of £1.3m for the development of technology that supports women’s health.
