'Robot' patients enjoy Christmas get-together |
On Wednesday 21 December patients who have been treated by the urology 'robot' for prostate cancer met up for a Christmas party at the hospital, where they found out more about prostate cancer and had the chance to share their stories. The da Vinici Robotic System assists surgeons with operations on patients with prostate cancer by helping to remove the whole prostate gland or just the seminal vesicles using telescopes inserted into the patient's abdomen. The robot has three arms operated from a console by the surgeons Two of them hold surgical instruments and one is for a 3D camera. The purchase of the robot was made possible as a result of substantial charitable donations, and a pledge from the Fund and Friends of Addenbrooke's. Michael Power, the first patient to have the operation, said: "I was a bit apprehensive to start with but being the first I thought they were bound to get it right! Everything went fine and I'm feeling marvellous - I was playing golf only three weeks after operation." Olive Robinson, whose husband John had surgery aided by the robot said: "I think it's a very good idea to be able to come and compare notes with other patients. We’re coming back to the hospital next week to get the medical details, but this is more sociable." Michael Ambrose had the operation just over two weeks ago and said: "I'm feeling fine. Today has been helpful and the presentation was a very good insight into prostate cancer." Speaking about the event, David Neal, Professor of Surgical Oncology, said: "We are very grateful to the Fund and Friends of Addenbrooke's, the Mark Master Masons, the Evelyn Trust and other local Trusts and individuals who have supported this important development. We can now carry out radical prostatectomy with less blood loss and much faster recovery times for patients. Minimally invasive surgery represents the future for surgeons treating patients with cancer, and the robot allows better preservation of important functions such as urinary continence and potency. "This represents an important advance for men with prostate
cancer, and their families. It is important that men from across
the UK can come to Cambridge to obtain the most up to date treatments.
The UK needs centres where the best quality clinical care is coupled
to up-to-date research if we are to get the best outcomes for patients." |
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