Robotic surgery for prostate cancer is back up and running at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, with over a dozen patients treated in June.
Surgeries for prostate cancer had been put on hold, following advice from Scottish Government as a result of COVID-19.
New precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety of patients and staff including appropriate levels of personal protective equipment and additional deep cleaning of the facility.
The QEUH team are now arranging surgeries again for men from the West of Scotland who have prostate cancer who require radical robotic prostatectomies.
Stephen Black was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2019. His operation was delayed due to COVID-19. He was meant to be riding in the charity Tour de France for Prostate Cancer UK last week but had his rearranged surgery at QEUH instead.
He said: “I was nervous like other people who have cancer on what the delay meant. But going into hospital, my mind was taken off the COVID situation. Everyone from the support staff right through to the nursing team and surgeon made me feel safe and never felt at risk.”
The robotics technology has been used since 2016 at QEUH for this procedure. It is less invasive surgery and improves patients’ recovery time.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer amongst men in Scotland and 1 in 10 Scottish men are likely to develop the disease.
Men who had their surgeries delayed due to COVID-19 were offered alternative hormonal treatment.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde follows national guidance when arranging for surgeries.
Dr Imran Ahmad, Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, said:
“We’re really pleased to have prostate cancer surgery back up and running at the Queen Elizabeth using cutting-edge robotics technology.
“It has been a difficult time for our patients with cancer who had their surgeries delayed because of COVID-19. With new procedures in place, we’re now starting to operate on patients again in a safe and secure environment.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Scotland so it’s good news we’re able to offer patients surgery again in the West of Scotland.”
ENDS