Renowned robotic surgeon’s Fife visit to see pioneering NHS work
NHS Fife has welcomed an internationally renowned robotic surgeon to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
Professor Vipul Patel met local surgical teams and observed one of the board’s pioneering robotic surgical procedures.
Professor Patel is widely recognised as one of the world’s foremost experts in robotic urological surgery and has played a defining role in advancing robotic techniques and surgical training internationally.
Through his work, he has helped shape the modern era of minimally invasive robotic surgery, improving outcomes and reducing recovery times for patients across the world.
Professor Patel spent the morning with NHS Fife’s urology team, led by consultant urological surgeon Mr Feras Al Jaafari, and observed a robotic radical prostatectomy in the hospital’s dedicated robotic theatre suite.
Until recently, patients in Fife requiring this procedure had to travel to Edinburgh - now they can get it it here. Since the introduction of this technology, the programme has expanded across urology and a range of other surgical specialties, enabling patients to benefit from smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery times.
Mr Al Jaafari said: “We are extremely proud of the progress we have made in developing robotic surgery in Fife, and it was a privilege to welcome Professor Patel to Victoria Hospital. Having a world leading expert observe our work and engage with our team is a valuable opportunity, and it reinforces the high standard of care we are now able to offer patients locally through robotic surgery.”
Professor Patel’s visit formed part of a wider programme during his time in Scotland, including the delivery of a seminar at the University of St Andrews Medical School.