
The da Vinci® Surgical System
Hear Dr Kathryn Oakland, Head of Robotics at HCA UK explain why patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery assisted by the da Vinci® can expect to return home faster, with less pain, less trauma and more mobility.
How does da Vinci® robotic surgery work?
Compared to traditional techniques, this minimally invasive approach can cause less damage to surrounding tissue and nerves and drastically reduce a patient’s hospital stay and their risk of infection.
Why da Vinci® robotics at HCA UK?
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Leadership
Experienced consultant clinical leadership, steered by the HCA Robotics Council.
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Patient volumes
In 2020 HCA UK performed over 500 robotic procedures – more than any other UK private hospital provider.
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Credentialing
Only the most proficient robotic surgeons practise with us. Our rigorous governance process monitors clinical excellence through regular assessment of patient volumes and outcomes and surgical performance and training.
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Clinical pathways
Every patient offered minimally invasive surgery will receive specialist care throughout their treatment. From bespoke pre-operative planning to post-operative enhanced monitoring.
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Multidisciplinary approach
Robotic surgery is delivered via a multidisciplinary team consisting of consultant surgeons, surgical care practitioners, theatre nurses, fellows and anaesthetists
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Operational excellence
We have robotic co-ordinators in each centre to enhance the full capability of our company wide robotics programme.

Our robotic specialists
We work with top surgeons from NHS teaching hospitals who bring decades of clinical experience to deliver the best in robotic surgery.
Find a robotic surgeon specialised in:
Robotic capabilities across multiple specialties
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Urology icon plus
For kidney, bladder and prostate conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic prostatectomy - the international gold standard for surgical treatment of prostate cancer. We continue to see improved cancer outcomes and less nerve damage in patients post surgery. It is widely accepted as the most effective way to surgically treat urological cancer with 75% performed robotically within the NHS
- Robotic nephrectomy for kidney cancer - 77% of partial nephrectomies are performed robotically within the NHS
- Robotic cystectomy for bladder cancer
Available at: London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital, The Christie Private Care, The Wellington Hospital
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Gynaecology icon plus
For treatment of womb and ovarian conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic hysterectomy
- Robotic removal of endometriosis
Robotic technology has made hysterectomies far safer and less invasive. By using a robotically assisted laparoscopic technique, the surgeon has a greater view which allows them to be much more accurate throughout the procedure. It also reduces the chance of the surgeon having to convert to an open operation in comparison to a standard laparoscopic approach where visibility may be limited.
Available at: London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital, The Christie Private Care, The Wellington Hospital
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Colorectal icon plus
For treatment of colon and rectal conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer
- Robotic colectomy for colon cancer
Non-robotic surgical techniques can result in patients needing a colostomy to ensure the safety of the surgical joins. as the surgeon’s view is so much better using the robot, we’re finding that fewer patients need a colostomy. This means that fewer patients require a second operation, and that they can avoid living with a colostomy. This means patients don’t need a second operation and can avoid living with a stoma.
Available at: The Princess Grace Hospital, The Wellington Hospital, London Bridge Hospital, The Christie Private Care
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Liver and pancreas icon plus
For treatment of liver cancer and pancreas cancer. Common procedures include:
- Robotic hepatectomy
- Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (also known as a Whipple procedure)
Available at: The Princess Grace Hospital, The Christie Private Care
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Upper Gastrointestinal icon plus
For treatment of gallbladder and stomach conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic cholecystectomy for gallstones
- Robotic fundoplication for reflux disease
Available at: The Princess Grace Hospital, The Christie Private Care, The Wellington Hospital
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Head, Neck and Thyroid icon plus
For treatment of conditions of the mouth and throat. Common procedures include:
- Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for head and neck cancer, or obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring.
The dexterity of the robot means surgeons can locate small growths in the mouth and in the throat without having to perform open surgery via the face to expose the neck. This reduces patient trauma significantly without having to risk damage to nerves or vital blood vessels.
Available at: London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital
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Thoracic icon plus
For treatment of chest conditions. Common procedures include:
- Robotic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis or thymus tumours
- Robotic lung surgery for lung cancer
Traditionally, thoracic surgery would be performed through a large cut to the chest which can be incredibly uncomfortable. As the chest is always moving, healing and recovery can be challenging – with intense physiotherapy and rehabilitation required.
By reducing the size of the cuts through robotic surgery, patients’ pain relief is much lower, their rehabilitation needs are reduced and they can return to normal activities more quickly.
Available at: London Bridge Hospital
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Weight loss surgery icon plus
Common procedures include robotic gastric sleeve or robotic gastric bypass.
At HCA UK patients are offered a full two year programme of follow-up care after surgery to provide ongoing nutritional advice and close monitoring of weight loss outcomes.
Available at: The Princess Grace Hospital
Training the next generation of surgeons
HCA UK is the first group of private hospitals in the UK to offer training courses within our theatres. Training includes dry lab and wet lab based teaching, virtual simulations, e-learning, mentored learning and face-to-face training.
Our specialist da Vinci® robotic centres
Other robotic navigation systems at HCA UK

Mako® robot
Game changing navigation technology providing patients with more accurate placement of implants during hip and knee replacement surgery.
Find out more
ExcelsiusGPS®
Giving patients living with chronic back pain and other spinal conditions access to the latest and most effective minimally invasive technology.
Find out more