Home / Health / Cornwall Hospitals Achieve Robotic Surgery Milestone
Cornwall Hospitals Achieve Robotic Surgery Milestone
13 Jul
Summary
- First soft tissue robotic surgery performed in Cornwall.
- System offers enhanced precision for hard-to-reach areas.
- Patients can receive advanced care locally, reducing travel.

Surgeons at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust have performed the inaugural procedure utilizing a soft tissue robotic surgical system. This development is being celebrated as a major advancement for patient care within the county. The new robotic system, operated from a console, allows surgeons to control robotic arms with exceptional precision, surpassing manual capabilities and offering superior dexterity.
The technology is particularly beneficial for operating in small or difficult-to-access areas of the body. Medics believe it will lead to safer procedures, reduced blood loss, and faster patient recovery times. Furthermore, it opens doors to performing complex surgeries that were not previously possible locally. Patients will no longer need to travel extensively to other counties for such advanced treatments.
The trust plans to deploy this robotic system for a variety of conditions, including digestive and urinary system cancers, endometriosis, and certain metabolic disorders. The acquisition of this state-of-the-art equipment was made possible through a £2 million investment from the NHS, supplemented by contributions from Rotary Clubs across Cornwall, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, and other fundraising efforts.