Grimsby man first to have single-day robotic prostate cancer surgery
Castle Hill Hospital achieves pioneering day surgery using Da Vinci robot system
In a groundbreaking medical development, a Grimsby man in his 50s has become the first patient to undergo robotic prostate cancer surgery at Castle Hill Hospital, completed in a single day.
The procedure, performed by Consultant Urologist Mr Matthew Simms in May, involved a radical prostatectomy using the Da Vinci Robotic surgical system.
The patient was discharged and sent home just 12 hours after successful surgery.
Mr Simms acknowledged the collaborative effort that made this achievement possible, highlighting contributions from Anaesthetists Dr Narendra Pai and Dr Prasad Lanka as well as theatre recovery and Ward 15 teams.
He emphasised how this technological advancement marks a leap forward for Humber Health Partnership, enhancing surgical methods across its facilities, including Hull Royal Infirmary and Goole Hospital.
Mr Simms said: "This is major abdominal surgery and the success of this procedure as a day case gives us the confidence that we can deliver high-quality surgery using Da Vinci with great outcomes for our patients."
The hospital's use of robotic surgery dates back to the installation of its first £1.4m Da Vinci robot in 2015, courtesy of former Hull City owner Assem Allam's financial support.
This innovation reduced hospital stays from two to four days to just one night before the introduction of same-day surgeries.
Castle Hill Hospital now performs over 300 prostatectomies annually using the Da Vinci system.
Day case surgery has been made possible through careful counselling and patient education on post-operative care, allowing many to recover at home.
However, not all patients are eligible, specifically those with multiple illnesses, obesity concerns, or anticipated extensive surgeries.
This method offers the advantage of freeing up hospital beds for other patients needing urgent care.
Mr Simms noted the benefits, stating: "Most patients prefer to sleep in their own beds rather than in hospital and it also supports the hospital because beds can be freed up for patients requiring emergency care."
While day surgery holds promise for early recovery, patients must return for a post-operative check for the time being, with potential adjustments to follow.
Success stories continue, but Mr Simms reminded that follow-up treatment, such as radiotherapy, might be required in rare cases.
He said, "Usually, patients who have a good start to recovery continue to make a good recovery and that’s what this day case surgery will give them – a great start to their recovery."