The UK’s first patients have been treated using a new state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgical system at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Thanks to charitable funding, the new da Vinci 5 surgical system is now in place at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and will be used for a variety of surgical specialties, including gynaecology and abdominal or general surgery. 
Whilst similar surgical systems are widely used in hospitals around the country to help surgeons provide minimally invasive care and deliver better outcomes for patients, Hampshire Hospitals is the first in the UK to use this new generation, which is the most advanced and integrated da Vinci surgical system available.
It brings significant technological advances to help surgeons and care teams improve patient outcomes, as well as offering surgeons an improved experience of surgery including enhanced visualisation and transformative ergonomics.
Merv Rees, Clinical Director and senior surgeon with Hampshire Hospitals, said; “The da Vinci 5 surgical system really is the most amazing thing to happen in surgery. With over 150 design enhancements and 10,000 times more computing power than before, our surgeons will be able to use this advanced system to operate more efficiently and help provide better outcomes for patients through less invasive procedures, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery and reduced re-admissions. 
“Robotic-assisted surgery is advancing all the time, and I’m excited for my colleagues and our patients that we’re now able to bring this technology to Hampshire Hospitals thanks to charitable funding.”
The purchase of this high specification surgical system has been made possible thanks to a multi-million pound charitable appeal by Hampshire Hospitals Charity in collaboration with Hampshire Medical Fund, and delivers a huge boost to the trust’s long term robotics strategy, aligning with the government’s ten-year health plan and the expansion of robotic assisted surgery.
Both charities have worked together to identify areas of funding to raise the money needed to bring this pioneering technology to local patients.
Mark Hainy, Head of Charity at Hampshire Hospitals Charity, said; “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to help bring in the funds to provide Hampshire Hospitals with its first surgical robot. Our ethos is to raise charitable income to fund projects that make the experience of visiting our hospitals the best it can, and we’re proud to be bringing this important piece of surgical technology to Basingstoke to benefit our patients. The team has worked incredibly hard to raise the funds needed to supply this system and the associated kit that comes with it, ensuring our patients receive the best service when they need surgery.”
Daniel Benton, Chairman of the Hampshire Medical Fund added; “HMF exists to raise funds for cutting-edge equipment for our local hospitals. We couldn’t wish for a better example of what we do than helping to bring the da Vinci 5 surgical system to Basingstoke. One of the robot’s greatest strengths is that it can be used for both cancer and benign procedures across multiple specialities – including ENT, general surgery, urology, gynaecology, and more. We are delighted that so many people with different conditions will benefit from this technology.”
The system itself comes in three parts, the tower, the console and the patient cart. In the operating theatre, it is controlled by a surgeon from the console, positioned next to the patient. From the console, the surgeon performs surgery controlling the high-definition camera and surgical instruments attached to the four robotic-assisted arms. 
Pulkit Sethi, Consultant Hepatobiliary Surgeon, who carried out the first successful procedures said; “Having the ability to perform surgery with the da Vinci 5 surgical system has been transformative. The system offers exceptional dexterity and precision, allowing my hand movements to be translated into remarkably fine, controlled actions by the instruments. At every moment, I remain fully in command. Using this advanced technology allows us to perform highly complex procedures with greater accuracy, minimal invasiveness, and improved recovery times for our patients.
“This technology enhances what we can offer, ensuring safer surgery, reduced pain, smaller scars, and quicker returns to daily life. The introduction of the system reinforces the trust’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and the continual advancement of patient-focused care.''
The system has now been used to perform its first surgeries and patients are recovering well.
