Although the livestreamed operations were carried out anonymously, one of the patients, David McLoughlin, was happy to reveal his identity and describe his support for the surgical symposium.
Mr McLoughlin, 62, from Braunston, near Daventry, had his procedure at Northampton General Hospital on Thursday and was able to return home on Sunday.
He said: “About six weeks ago, I went to my GP after stomach pains and some other tests, and then I went to the hospital for a colonoscopy, which found I had cancer.
“My consultant, Mr Ahmed, explained about the live-stream and symposium, and I was happy to volunteer to take part. I was impressed and reassured that Mr Ahmed was happy to do my operation, watched by so many other consultants as it happened.
“I also thought if I can contribute to doctors learning in this ground-breaking way, it has to be helpful to the 60 or more consultants attending to see the robotic technique being done live.”