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STV News<\/p>\nMedics at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley say the expansion of robotic-assisted surgery is transforming the way some operations are carried out \u2013 improving precision and speeding up recovery for patients.<\/p>\n
The hospital has established its first permanent robotic surgical service after a system was transferred from Glasgow, effectively doubling theatre capacity for certain procedures within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.<\/p>\n
The expansion has been made possible through an \u00a3800,000 donation from two former patients following their cancer treatment, alongside support from the Beatson Cancer Charity.<\/p>\n
First patient for robotic surgery in Paisley<\/p>\n
84-year-old William Gillespie, from Elderslie, is set to become the first patient to undergo robotic surgery at the hospital.<\/p>\n
Under the care of surgeon Professor Susan Moug, he will have a tumour removed from his bowel using the technology.<\/p>\n
STV News<\/p>\n
Mr Gillespie said he was pleased the operation could take place close to home rather than travelling to Glasgow.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting it done in my local place makes a big difference,\u201d he said. \u201cIt also makes it easier for my partner to come and see me while I\u2019m in hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n
Greater precision for surgeons<\/p>\n
Inside the operating theatres in Paisley, robotic arms are controlled remotely by the surgeon while they view a magnified three-dimensional image from inside the patient\u2019s body.<\/p>\n
Professor Moug said the technology allows surgeons to operate with far greater precision.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can be much more confident that you\u2019re accurately doing it,\u201d she said. \u201cYou can see structures magnified within millimetres \u2013 it\u2019s amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re doing the same surgery, but much better, and it allows us to reach small spaces in the body that can be difficult to access with traditional keyhole or open surgery.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robotic-assisted surgery is also less invasive than conventional operations, meaning patients often recover more quickly and spend less time in hospital.<\/p>\n
Preparing patients before surgery<\/p>\n
In the weeks before his operation, Mr Gillespie has been attending a \u201cprehab\u201d programme at the hospital\u2019s Apple Clinic.<\/p>\n
The service helps patients improve their fitness and overall health before cancer treatment or major surgery.<\/p>\n
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STV News<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was all new to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI left school in 1957 and left the gym behind at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The clinic includes a gym and support sessions where patients preparing for surgery can meet others going through similar experiences.<\/p>\n
Staff say the benefits go beyond physical fitness.<\/p>\n
Patients can gain reassurance from speaking to others further along in their treatment, helping reduce anxiety before surgery.<\/p>\n
Physiotherapist Mhairi Burke said preparing patients beforehand can also make a significant difference to recovery.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know if someone\u2019s in hospital, even for planned surgery, they can lose up to 5% of their muscle mass,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor older patients, that can be the difference between going home independently or needing extra care.\u201d<\/p>\n
Expanding technology across Scotland<\/p>\n
More than 10,000 procedures using surgical robots have been carried out across a range of specialities within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in the past five years.<\/p>\n
Other health boards are also exploring the technology, with NHS Forth Valley approving plans to introduce robotic surgery.<\/p>\n
Surgeons believe the technology will continue to evolve as teams gain experience.<\/p>\n
Professor Moug said: \u201cIf you look at the first keyhole gallbladder operation, it reportedly took eight hours and two consultants. Now it can be done in 20 to 40 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a huge capacity for improvement, and it could help with waiting lists too.\u201d<\/p>\n
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