NHS Forth Valley introduces robotic-assisted surgery

A highly innovative medical advance is now up and running within NHS Forth Valley.

The new robotic system was delivered, on schedule, to Forth Valley Royal Hospital and installed in one of the theatre suites on Thursday.

The introduction of robotic assisted surgery has the potential to significantly enhance the delivery of complex surgery across colorectal, gynaecology and urology services, including cancer care.

Robotic Assisted Surgery enables surgeons to operate with a highly magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical field, enhanced lighting and exceptional precision. Although the instruments are held by a robotic system, all movements are fully controlled by the surgeon from a nearby console.

This technology eliminates unintentional hand tremor, improves control and fluidity of movement, and allows safer, more precise access to complex anatomical areas, including the deep pelvis.

Clinical evidence shows that these advances can result in shorter operating times, reduced blood loss, better nerve preservation and a lower risk of complications. For patients, this may lead to less post-operative pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to normal daily activities.

Additional efficiencies are anticipated through reduced use of post-operative pain relief, fewer readmissions related to complications, and shorter procedures that reduce the use of carbon dioxide gases in theatre.

Robotic Assisted Surgery also offers important benefits for staff. Improved ergonomics reduce physical strain on surgeons, helping to minimise fatigue and injury while supporting long-term well-being and career sustainability.

Dr Julie Christie, NHS Forth Valley’s Associate Medical Director for Women, Children and Sexual Health, said: “The introduction of robotic assisted surgery will allow us to deliver high-quality complex surgery closer to home, improve outcomes for patients undergoing cancer treatment, and strengthen our ability to recruit, retain and train skilled staff.”

Surgical and theatre staff will now undergo detailed training in the use of the new Da Vinci XI dual-console robotic system over the next few months with the aim of treating the first patients in Summer 2026.