\n James Paget University Hospital has introduced a new robotic-assisted surgical system.\n<\/p>\n
\n The da Vinci X system, provided by Intuitive, is now\u00a0supporting surgeons in carrying out a range of procedures with enhanced precision.\n<\/p>\n
\n The first procedures performed by the Gorleston-based\u00a0team using the da Vinci X surgical system were led by consultant surgeon Kamal Aryal.\n<\/p>\n
\n The team carried out three procedures on two patients,\u00a0a gallstone operation and then a bilateral hernia.\n<\/p>\n
\n In both cases, the patients were able to go home on the same day.\n<\/p>\n
\n Mr Kamal Aryal, seated at the da Vinci X surgical system console\u00a0(Image: James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)\n<\/p>\n
\n Mr Aryal said: \u201cIt went really well.”\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThere will always be nerves using a piece of new equipment. \u00a0But once I started operating from the console, it all went really smoothly.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Previously, Mr Aryal would have performed this type of operation by regular keyhole\u00a0surgery, itself a minimally invasive technique with surgeons making small incisions.\n<\/p>\n
\n The hospital\u2019s charity launched its\u00a0\u2018Robot Appeal\u2019 in 2023, encouraging donations from staff, patients and the wider community.\n<\/p>\n
\n Major contributions came from the Geoffrey Watling Charity and a legacy donation from a local couple, in whose honour the robot has been named the Howes Robot.\n<\/p>\n
\n David and Valerie Howes lived in Oulton Broad \u2013 a perfect location as they enjoyed the water and owned a boat.\n<\/p>\n
\n They enjoyed visiting auction rooms and collecting a variety of items, including toys, and had a Yorkshire terrier named Buttons, whom they both adored.\n<\/p>\n
\n Mr Howes died in 2010, with Mrs Howes passing away in 2023.\n<\/p>\n