Ross Hall Hospital are proud to be one of the only private hospitals in Scotland offering robotic-assisted surgery to urology, gynaecology, general and colorectal surgery using the Da Vinci surgical system.
Another key benefit of offering robotic-assisted surgery using the Da Vinci is the minimally invasive element. Minimally invasive surgery is often sought out as the preferred method for both surgeons and patients alike, removing the need to be ‘opened up.’ The robot’s tiny surgical instruments are inserted through one, or a few, minute incisions, as well as a camera – this allows the surgeon to watch everything that is happening during the procedure via an HD, 3D image.
There are lots of benefits associated with robotic-assisted surgery using the Da Vinci surgical system. Patients choosing to have robotic-assisted procedures at Ross Hall Hospital can benefit in numerous ways compared to more traditional approaches. These include:
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes around two to three hours. The procedure involves removing the prostate gland and the surrounding tissues and seminal vesicles, as well as the lymph nodes from around the prostate gland if required.
The Da Vinci robot allows the Consultant Urological Surgeon to be extremely precise in removing the prostate and vesicles, only targeting the diseased tissue and wherever possible avoiding the other delicate surrounding structures including nerves, blood vessels and muscles.
With this robotic-assisted approach, they are able to view an ultra-clear HD view of the inside of the abdomen; the magnified view this provides them in harmony with the minute surgical tools allows them to operate with more accuracy than ever before.
Patients eligible and recommended for robotic-assisted prostatectomies at Ross Hall Hospital are those whose cancer has not spread beyond their prostate, those who are young with an ‘active tumour,’ and those who have high-risk, localised cancer.
Another robotic-assisted treatment available is a robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy. This is offered to patients with an enlarged benign prostate. Most recently, we have also become the only hospital in Scotland offering robotic-assisted simple (transvesical) prostatectomies - RASP - to patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate sizes greater than 80-100g which are too big for a traditional TURP procedure, offering a more effective option than the traditional open approach.
As such, the hospital are proud to offer these innovative techniques to patients with varying needs.
A number of Consultant Urological Surgeons at Ross Hall Hospital offer robotically-assisted urological procedures including Mr Jaimin Bhatt, Mr Lorenzo Dutto and Professor Imran Ahmad.
Our Consultant Urological Surgeons work closely with our Oncology Department to formulate appropriate, tailored treatment plans for patients, ensuring continuity and an established line of communication between the teams throughout their treatment.
The Prostate Cancer Centre at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow is the only joint urological cancer clinic of its kind in Scotland, and is managed by a specialist team made of Consultant Urologists, specialist nurses and Consultant Oncologists who specialise in urological cancers. The centre is for patients with suspected prostate cancer who require further testing as well as those already diagnosed who are seeking further information or reassurance.
Our highly experienced robotically trained Consultants offer procedures which cover numerous areas including:
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with robotic-assisted surgery. These are all covered in depth by the respective specialists during their consultations with patients.
If you have your consultation at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling, or Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen, your consultant can refer you to see one of the robotically trained surgeons at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow.
We have a number of experienced robotically trained surgeons at Ross Hall Hospital including:
“Robotic hernia repairs are well established procedures within the US and Europe already. It is a superior option for hernia repair as it has a lesser incidence of ongoing pain compared to open inguinal hernia repair surgery and a decreased risk of bleeding and haematoma formation compared to laparoscopic hernia repair surgery. It allows for more effective mesh placement as well, ensuring that the hernia contents are fully reduced.’’ Mr Andrew Renwick, Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon
“Robotic Surgery has revolutionised care for men with prostate cancer. It is the standard of care for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, with lower incidence of pain, less bleeding and quicker return to pre-operative levels. It allows me to better spare the delicate nerves around prostate that control erectile function, as well as preserve the anatomical structures that influence continence outcomes. Personally, I wouldn't dream of doing a prostatectomy without a robotic system, since I know how beneficial it is for the patient.” Professor Imran Ahmad, Consultant Urological Surgeon
“The use of the surgical robot in urology has been used increasingly since its inception in the early 2000’s. Since then, the robotic platform has seen many improvements, in a similar fashion to how other IT related technology has improved over the last 20 years.
It is an instrument that has allowed prostate cancer surgery to make a gigantic leap forward, combining the benefits of traditional keyhole surgery to its augmented precision, improved vision and visual magnification. This has progressively increased our understanding of the “details” of anatomy, which has in turn led to a significant improvement in functional outcomes. In the setting of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP), we have been able to progressively improve functional outcomes, such as early return to urinary continence and erectile function recovery after the surgery, whilst maintaining oncological outcomes (cancer removal) and reducing postoperative stay, blood loss and postoperative pain.
However, we should not be led to think that the robot is an automated tool that does its work independently. In truth it mimics the movements that the surgeon does outside of the patient’s body on a much smaller scale inside the patient.
What this means is that the use of the robot will not automatically translate into improved outcomes, but will rather enable surgeons to optimally implement their expertise and understanding of the anatomy to obtain the aforementioned improved results.” Mr Lorenzo Dutto, Consultant Urological Surgeon
"Robotic surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery which allows for performing complex surgery with precision, dexterity and control. It is very beneficial for patients with endometriosis. Robotic surgery for endometriosis is associated with an increased likelihood of detecting a confirmed lesion, compared to the 2D laparoscope, improving effectiveness of treatment of endometriosis-related infertility and pelvic pain." Dr Karina Datsun, Consultant Gynaecologist
* Please be aware that the above prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.
If you are paying for your own treatment, we offer flexible payment options that can help you spread the cost of private healthcare. A fixed-term loan provided by Chrysalis Finance allows you to pay for your treatment in monthly instalments that can be spread over a time period to suit you. These payments are interest-free monthly repayments when spread over a 10-month period. You can also choose to spread the cost over a period of up to five years. 9.9% APR will apply if the loan is taken out for more than a 10-month time period
You can borrow as little as £350 and up to £25,000 (subject to eligibility).
Chrysalis Finance working in partnership with Circle Health Group Limited. Loans are arranged by Chrysalis Finance Limited of PO Box 404, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 0EA. Both Circle Health Group Limited and Chrysalis Finance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Circle Health Group Limited is a broker not a lender.
“Initially when I got my diagnosis I was worried and apprehensive. I’m quite a pragmatic person though so I took my time to do my research on treatment options, as well as speaking to various professionals. There were three different options, and for me a robotic prostatectomy seemed the best option. Radiotherapy had far more side effects and I decided that getting my prostate removed was the best option moving forward and the recovery time was less than the other treatment options as well.
I sought further advice from Dr Abdullah Alhasso, Consultant Clinical Oncologist. He is also the consultant treating member of my family. Dr Alhasso recommended Professor Imran Ahmad, Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, who performs robotic assisted prostatectomy surgery at Ross Hall Hospital.”
The patient had to wait less than two weeks between seeing Professor Ahmad at Ross Hall and being admitted for surgery. The surgery took around three hours in total and he stayed in the hospital for two nights.
Asked what advice he would give to someone in a similar position to himself, he said,
“My advice to so someone else in my position would be get your PSA checked! I’m telling all my friends and family to get their PSA levels checked especially because you can have no signs or symptoms with prostate cancer. If something does show, do your research thoroughly and choose the best treatment that suits you. Don’t just ignore it!”
The hospital sees patients for a variety of conditions and offers treatments across a range of specialties, from orthopaedics and ophthalmology to bariatric and cardiac surgery. Since the hospital opened its doors over 40 years ago, a lot has changed. Most recently, a £40million investment programme has seen the hospital undergo a full renovation, upgrading all 88 patient ensuite bedrooms, as well as external windows and cladding.
Ross Hall Hospital hosts 88 private en-suite patient bedrooms, as well as 6 operating theatres, a Diagnostic Imaging Department (MRI, CT, X-Ray, Ultrasound, Mammography), a Chemotherapy Unit, an Endoscopy Suite, an ICU/HDU Department and a Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory, whilst we also have a Physiotherapy Department and an on-site Pharmacy.
The hospital is the only private hospital in Scotland with a level 3 ICU, allowing us to provide surgeries that no other private hospital can provide. With the opening of Ross Hall Clinic Braehead in January 2022, the vast majority of outpatient clinics are located at the clinic, alongside an additional MRI and x-ray, a Cardiology Department, Respiratory Laboratory, Specialist Skin Centre, and our Eye Care Department (Eye Care Scotland) which hosts two theatres, four consultation rooms and two diagnostic rooms.
The hospital continues to invest in technology and equipment to further enhance our offering to patients, whilst our intensivist facilities ensure we will be able to continue to treat patients requiring complex surgery and those living with comorbidities to undergo treatment safely and efficiently in a clinical, hospital-based environment.
Most recently, the hospital has invested £2.2 million into our technological capabilities, purchasing a state-of-the-art Da Vinci surgical system robot. Through this investment, the hospital has further enhanced our uniqueness by establishing ourselves as one of the only private hospitals in Scotland able to offer patients this type of robotic-assisted surgery.
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Mr Lorenzo Dutto, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Ross Hall Hospital, discusses the Robotic Prostatectomy procedure as a treatment for prostate cancer. Using the Da Vinci Surgical System, this robotic procedure brings with it numerous potential benefits for the patient including shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.
Interested in robotic-assisted surgery? As one of the only private hospitals in Scotland offering patients this type of surgery using the Da Vinci Surgical System, Dr Robert Hawthorn, Consultant Gynaecologist at Ross Hall Hospital, explains the benefits in more detail.
Mr Andrew Renwick, Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at Ross Hall Hospital, discusses using the Da Vinci Surgical System to perform a range of both colorectal and general robotic surgeries.
