In a landmark move, NICE has recommended 11 robotic surgery systems set to revolutionise care for NHS patients.
Robotic surgery technology is capable of more precise movements than the human hand and could transform care for patients operated on by surgeons in specialist NHS centres.
The 11 systems will be implemented in the NHS whilst further evidence is collected over the next three years, demonstrating their cost-effectiveness for assisted robot surgery as part of the Early Value Assessment process.
Advancing soft tissue and orthopaedic care through robotic surgery Robot surgery is already being used in the NHS for prostatectomy, which is a procedure to remove the prostate gland, either fully or partially.
NICE has conditionally approved five systems for soft tissue procedures, such as hernia repair or tumour removal, and six for orthopaedic surgery, such as full knee replacement.
The recommendations will allow a coordinated approach to expanding innovative surgical technologies available on the NHS. At the same time, evidence will be collected to help our committee validate these benefits, prove the value of the technologies, and inform future implementation decisions.
Some robotic surgery systems allow surgeons to perform procedures using mechanical arms controlled from a nearby console, while others are handheld. The surgical instruments attached to these arms move with greater dexterity than the human hand, offering greater precision.
Robot surgery has been shown to improve recovery times, reduce complications, and potentially increase access to these procedures.
“These innovative technologies can potentially transform soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS. The data gathered over the next three years will allow us to evaluate exactly how these technologies can improve patient care and help ensure NHS resources are directed toward interventions that deliver meaningful clinical benefits and long-term value to our health service,” commented Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of NICE’s HealthTech programme.
Dr Chalkidou continued: “Robot-assisted surgery may help overcome key limitations of conventional techniques through precise movements and enhanced 3D visualisation, potentially transforming surgical options and outcomes for NHS patients. Both applications could benefit patients who might not otherwise be candidates for minimally invasive approaches.”
Date: 24 April