NICE approves 11 robotic surgery systems

Five systems 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 – have received conditional approval and will be monitored over the next three years.

The data gathered over the three years will allow NICE to evaluate 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 the health service.

In a statement, Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of NICE’s HealthTech programme, said: “These innovative technologies have the potential to transform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS. The data gathered…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.”

The robot systems cost between £500,000 and £1.5m and are typically found in specialist centres. In 2011/12, 20 per cent of robotic procedures were for conditions other than urological cancer. By 2023/24, this had grown to 49 per cent, with expansion in colorectal surgery, which now accounts for 25 per cent of all robotic procedures.

Orthopaedic robot-assisted surgery has seen the fastest rise, growing from approximately 300 procedures in 2018/19 to more than 4,000 last year.

Dr Chalkidou said: "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."

Patient organisations told NICE’s independent appraisal committee that faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays and quicker return to work were the biggest benefits of robotic surgery. Patients also reported experiencing less pain and reduced scarring compared with traditional surgery.

“This is fantastic news for patients and shows that the NHS continues to find new ways to utilise the latest technological innovations to improve care,” said Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director. “This will be a vital element of the 10 Year Health Plan which will be published in the coming months.”