'It took years to get pain-relieving surgery - I hope a robot means others won't have to wait'
Summary
Belfast City Hospital has introduced a Da Vinci robotic system for complex gynaecological surgery, including operations for endometriosis. The system may help treat patients sooner, while Colleen Crothers says she waited years for care and ultimately needed a hysterectomy.Key Facts
- The Da Vinci system joined Belfast City Hospital’s gynaecology team in May.
- The hospital’s system is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland, according to the article.
- The robot is operated by surgeons and uses movable instruments designed to work in tight pelvic spaces.
- The system cost £2.4 million and was funded through charitable donations for gynaecological services.
- It has performed 130 operations so far, including 105 on women with complex endometriosis.
- Four consultants have been trained to use the system.
- Northern Ireland’s average wait for complex surgery involving several specialties is about seven years.
- Crothers first experienced chronic period pain at 14 and was diagnosed with adenomyosis and endometriosis 22 years later; she had a hysterectomy at 41.
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