Chelsea and Westminster Hospital cuts waiting lists with record number of robotic surgeries

Surgical teams from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital have carried out their highest ever number of robotic-assisted surgeries on patients during the latest landmark 'super surgery weekend’ which took place on 21-22 September.

Both gynaecology and upper gastrointestinal teams were able to operate on significantly more patients than usual - seeing a total of 59 patients in one weekend. With meticulous planning and support from the multi-disciplinary teams, including anaesthetists, nurses, operating department practitioners, sterile services, admin and operational staff, the hospital held two high intensity theatre (HIT) lists – focusing on one type of surgery across two theatres, helping to reduce the preparation and turnover time between each operation.

The gynaecology surgical team safely completed 30 robotic hysterectomies - operating on more than five times the usual number of patients. Typically four robotic hysterectomies are performed in a normal day at the hospital. This was possible with the use of the cutting-edge Da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot, allowing surgeons to perform these complex, minimally invasive procedures with high precision. 

On the same weekend, upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgical teams operated on almost a month’s worth of patients, completing 29 general surgeries to treat common conditions including gallstone disease.

Robotic-assisted surgery can benefit patients in many ways – from shorter hospital stays, reduced pain, less blood loss and quicker recovery times, which helps more patients receive the care they need, and sooner. More than half of patients having robotic gynaecology surgery at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital can go home on the same day as their operation and 100% of those who had gallbladder surgery were day-cases, freeing up hospital beds for those who need them most.

Jeffrey Ahmed, Consultant Gynaecologist and Service Director at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “This weekend’s success is a testament to the dedication of our team and the positive impact of technology on treatment, recovery and waiting times for our patients.”

He added: “As a teaching institution, I’m proud that our clinical fellows took part in this surgery, continuing our centre’s tradition of excellence in robotic surgical training.”

James Brewer, Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon said: “I am proud of the work that went into holding this ‘super surgery’ weekend list so that we could see more patients requiring treatment for gallstone disease. By performing a record number of surgeries, we are helping to tackle the waiting list backlog and improve patient outcomes.”

Gynaecology surgical team - super surgery weekend - 21/22 September 2024

Upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgical team - super surgery weekend - 21/22 September 2024