A new Da Vinci 5 gynae robot at Belfast City Hospital is being used to perform complex gynaecological surgeries, with medical experts suggesting it has the potential to significantly reduce waiting lists in Northern Ireland. The robot, which cost £2.4m and was funded through charitable donations, is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland.
Since its arrival in May, the Da Vinci 5 has performed 130 surgeries, with 105 of these on women with complex endometriosis. Four consultants have been trained to operate the robot, which is described as being more precise than a human hand for complex procedures.
The Health Minister, Robbie Butler, announced a £1.95m investment to improve endometriosis services across Northern Ireland. This includes £700,000 for two regional endometriosis centres at Belfast City and Altnagelvin Area hospitals, and £250,000 for each health trust for women with less complex symptoms.
Colleen Crothers, who waited years for endometriosis surgery, expressed hope that the robot would prevent others from experiencing similar delays. She had conventional surgery, including a hysterectomy, earlier this year and is now largely pain-free.