Robotic surgery expansion at Paisley hospital hailed as ‘game-changer’ for patient care

Medics at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley say the expansion of robotic-assisted surgery is transforming the way some operations are carried out – improving precision and speeding up recovery for patients.

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.

The expansion has been made possible through an £800,000 donation from two former patients following their cancer treatment, alongside support from the Beatson Cancer Charity.

First patient for robotic surgery in Paisley

84-year-old William Gillespie, from Elderslie, is set to become the first patient to undergo robotic surgery at the hospital.

Under the care of surgeon Professor Susan Moug, he will have a tumour removed from his bowel using the technology.

Mr Gillespie said he was pleased the operation could take place close to home rather than travelling to Glasgow.

“Getting it done in my local place makes a big difference,” he said. “It also makes it easier for my partner to come and see me while I’m in hospital.”

Greater precision for surgeons

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’s body.

Professor Moug said the technology allows surgeons to operate with far greater precision.

“You can be much more confident that you’re accurately doing it,” she said. “You can see structures magnified within millimetres – it’s amazing.

“We’re 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.”

Robotic-assisted surgery is also less invasive than conventional operations, meaning patients often recover more quickly and spend less time in hospital.

Preparing patients before surgery

In the weeks before his operation, Mr Gillespie has been attending a “prehab” programme at the hospital’s Apple Clinic.

The service helps patients improve their fitness and overall health before cancer treatment or major surgery.

“It was all new to me,” he said. “I left school in 1957 and left the gym behind at the same time.”

The clinic includes a gym and support sessions where patients preparing for surgery can meet others going through similar experiences.

Staff say the benefits go beyond physical fitness.

Patients can gain reassurance from speaking to others further along in their treatment, helping reduce anxiety before surgery.

Physiotherapist Mhairi Burke said preparing patients beforehand can also make a significant difference to recovery.

“We know if someone’s in hospital, even for planned surgery, they can lose up to 5% of their muscle mass,” she said.

“For older patients, that can be the difference between going home independently or needing extra care.”

Expanding technology across Scotland

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.

Other health boards are also exploring the technology, with NHS Forth Valley approving plans to introduce robotic surgery.

Surgeons believe the technology will continue to evolve as teams gain experience.

Professor Moug said: “If 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.

“There’s a huge capacity for improvement, and it could help with waiting lists too.”