One of the most amazing pieces of technology in use at the Lister Hospital is the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, commented, “The robotic system is fantastic as it gives surgeons all the movements of their hands but miniaturised so that the incisions needed are kept small. It has improved the results of men’s recovery and is delivering real benefits to local people. There are only just over 20 robots in the NHS nationally so it is another example of how the Lister Hospital is leading as a centre of excellence.”

Stephen was shown the robot by the surgical team, and heard that since being installed almost 2 years ago it has been used by surgeons for around 240 procedures. To date the robot has mostly been used to cure prostate cancer, but surgeons at the Lister are increasingly applying it to a range of other procedures.