PROSTATE cancer patients are due to be the first in the Tees Valley to benefit from leading-edge robotic surgery today (Thursday, November 6).

A team of urologists at The James Cook University Hospital are due to use a da Vinci surgical robot to treat prostate cancer.

It is hoped the hi-tech procedure will dramatically improve outcomes and cure rates for men with the disease, while reducing side effects, surgery complications and the length of time patients need to stay in hospital.

The robot has revolutionised surgical treatment for prostate cancer by making it possible for surgeons to perform minimally-invasive surgery with greater precision and control than ever before.

It uses tiny instruments, controlled remotely by the surgeon sitting at a console. The surgeon has the benefits of 3D vision and hand and foot controls to control the micromanipulators, which have a greater range of movement than the human hand.

Consultant urologist David Chadwick said: “Robotic surgery allows surgeons to have improved vision and a greater level of precision than the use of conventional surgical techniques. This has significant benefits for the patient.

“It’s a significant development for the trust and, over time, will be used not only to treat patients with prostate cancer but also bladder cancer, kidney cancer, colorectal and gynaecological disease, head and neck disease and thoracic surgery.”

It is estimated that up to 400 patients a year will benefit from robotic surgery, which has been made possible through the generosity of the local population donating to South Tees Hospitals Charity.

Whitby GP, Dr George Campbell, vice chair of Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are very pleased to support the trust, which is very good news for local people. The robot gives fewer side effects and better clearance of the cancer.”