The Whittington Hospital in Archway has taken delivery of the Hugo Robotic Assisted Surgery system, which is designed to support surgeons with highly accurate procedures, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times.
Hugo has been funded by the West and North London Integrated Care Board. The system uses a set of slim, jointed robotic arms controlled by the surgeon from a nearby console, offering a clear 3D view inside the patient’s body.
Every movement made by the surgeon is translated into small, precise actions by the robotic arms, which hold tiny surgical tools and move with a steady, controlled range that provides more dexterity than the human wrist.
Professor Chetan Parmar, divisional clinical director for Whittington Health’s Surgery and Cancer Division and consultant bariatric surgeon, said: “This is a real step forward for Whittington Health’s patients, and it is great that we are bringing this advanced technology to Archway.
“It will mean safer, more precise procedures with faster recovery times and shorter stays in hospital for our patients which is better for them, which will also make our services more efficient.”
He is expected to assist with bariatric, gynaecological, and some colorectal procedures, where robotic surgery is deemed safe and appropriate for each patient. The robot will be fully assembled and installed in Whittington’s main theatres.
Before clinical use begins later in the spring, surgeons and theatre staff will undergo full training on the system.
Miss Rhonda Fleming, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, is one of the clinicians expected to use the new technology.
Hugo is designed to enable more procedures to be carried out as day cases, benefiting patients and improving hospital efficiency. Hospital teams have described the robot as a “new colleague” and have expressed excitement.
