Overview
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust has implemented a robotic-assisted high intensity theatre (HIT) list aimed at decreasing the number of patients awaiting treatment.
Details of the HIT List
- The HIT list was conducted on September 6, 2025, focusing on patients needing hernia and gallbladder surgeries.
- A total of eight patients were operated on, with five receiving robotic-assisted surgery, which is more than double the usual daily average at the trust.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
The da Vinci surgical robot utilized in these procedures enhances surgical precision, leading to:
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced risk of infection
Comments from the Surgical Team
Mr. Rajeev Peravali, a consultant general and colorectal surgeon who led the initiative, stated:
“By delivering weekend surgical lists, we can maximize the number of patients we can see and significantly improve elective care and waiting times. This aligns with NHS England’s 10-year health plan to incorporate surgical robots as standard practice in theatres.”
He expressed gratitude to the surgical services team for their coordination efforts that contributed to the success of the HIT list.
Future Plans
Since Mr. Peravali performed the first robotic-assisted surgery at the trust in March 2023, the trust has trained eight surgeons across two specialties to perform these advanced procedures. Plans are underway to conduct more HIT lists utilizing robotic surgery.
Patient Experiences
One patient, Afshia Iqbal, who underwent robotic-assisted gallbladder surgery, shared:
“I’ve had pain for years and was informed I needed surgery in March. I’m really pleased to be seeing the surgeon today. The weekend HIT lists are a great initiative to reduce waiting times for necessary care.”
Efficiency of the HIT Lists
The HIT lists are typically scheduled on weekends, concentrating on a single procedure to:
- Safely and efficiently maximize the number of patients treated in one day
- Minimize setup time between operations, enhancing theatre efficiency
Comparative Initiatives
In a related development, Cromwell Hospital in London successfully performed gynaecology and Hepato Pancreato Biliary operations using the da Vinci Single Port robotic system in April 2025, further showcasing the growing adoption of robotic-assisted surgeries across the NHS.