Robotic Surgery: da Vinci^® and beyond

Abstract

In 2001 the first da Vinci ® robot (Intuitive Surgical Inc) was installed in the UK at St Mary's hospital, London. It was initially used for high-volume, standard surgical procedures. More than 10 years on, 27 robots are in use in England. The da Vinci ® robot, used primarily in urology but also in gynaecology, ENT, colorectal, cardiology and paediatrics, is making an indelible mark on the NHS.