Robotic surgery to expand on NHS after green light from NICE

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By Emma Wilkinson

Eleven robotic surgery systems have been approved for use by NICE for a 3-year period while more data is collected on their cost-effectiveness.

The technology has the potential to transform care for patients undergoing soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures in specialist NHS centres, NICE said.

An independent appraisal committee heard that patients undergoing robotic surgery had faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays and experienced quicker return to work.
Patients also reported less pain and reduced scarring compared with traditional surgery.

The systems that have received conditional approval include five for soft tissue procedures – such as hernia repair, removal of tumours, and gallbladder removal – and six for orthopaedic surgery – including full and partial knee replacement procedures and hip replacements.

It does not include the use of robotic systems for prostatectomy which is already established practice in the NHS.

The recommendations – made in two separate pieces of guidance – will allow a “coordinated approach” to the expansion of innovative surgical technologies so that the NHS can maximise the benefits for patients, NICE said.