19-04-2025
Wiltshire man goes home the same day after major robotic cancer surgery
A cancer patient returned home the same day after undergoing major surgery.
Eddie Harvey, 67, underwent a successful robotic radical prostatectomy at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust.
He returned to his Corsham home on the same day, only the second RUH patient to have this type of surgery and make it home in the same day.
The Da Vinci surgical robot was used to perform the operation.
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The robot was funded by RUH's charity, RUHX.
It allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with precision and minimal access.
Mr Harvey said: "I was referred to the RUH by my GP after a check-up, and an MRI scan at the hospital showed there was suspicion of cancer in my prostate.
"I then had prostate biopsies which confirmed it.
"Within a couple of weeks I was having the surgery.
"Everything moved really quickly, I was so impressed.
"I arrived at hospital at 7am on the morning of the operation and was back home later that night.
"I was a bit surprised but delighted that I could be back home in my own bed that same day.
"There was no pressure on me to go home that day, but I felt good and had complete trust in the surgeon who I knew wouldn't have let me leave if he didn't think I was ready to.
"I know that being discharged on the same day for this kind of surgery isn't going to be possible for everyone, but for those who are eligible it's fantastic."
The surgery was led by consultant urological and robotic surgeon Ayman Ali.
He said: "This really is a fantastic achievement for the RUH and will hopefully be the start of many similar operations where patients can now return home the same day.
"This is now possible due to the use of the robot, which provides better precision and accuracy which also enhances recovery times too.
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"While same day discharge will not be suitable for all patients, we know that being at home can aid patient recovery and lead to better outcomes for the people we care for.
"I would like to say a huge thank you to our dedicated surgical and anaesthetic team, nursing staff in our Day Surgery Unit, and urology specialist nurses who have made this milestone possible.
"This accomplishment is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional patient-centred care."
The surgical robot is now used in a range of surgeries at the RUH, including gynaecology oncology and colorectal operations.
