The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has given the green light to eleven advanced robotic surgery systems for use in the National Health Service (NHS). These systems, capable of movements more precise than the human hand, have the potential to revolutionize care for thousands of NHS patients undergoing soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures.
According to NICE, patient organizations reported that the biggest benefits of robotic surgery include faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to work. Patients also experienced less pain and reduced scarring compared to traditional surgery.
The approved systems include five for soft tissue procedures such as hernia repair, tumour removal, and gallbladder removal, and six for orthopaedic surgery including full and partial knee replacements and hip replacements. While these systems have received conditional approval for use in the NHS, NICE will collect further evidence over the next three years to demonstrate their cost-effectiveness as part of its Early Value Assessment process.
Dr. Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of NICE’s HealthTech programme, stated, ‘These innovative technologies have the potential to transform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS. The data gathered over the next three years will allow us to evaluate exactly how these technologies can improve patient care and help ensure NHS resources are directed toward interventions that deliver meaningful clinical benefits and long-term value to our health service.’
This development marks a significant step in the integration of advanced medical technology in the NHS, with NICE’s assessment process playing a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness and value of such technologies.
