A state-of-the-art surgical robot has helped a team at Maidstone Hospital carry out 40% more gallbladder operations in a single day.

The surgical team, led by Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon, Mr Matyas Fehervari completed a record number of surgeries as part of a high intensity theatre (HIT) list.

Carried out using one of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s two surgical robots, the high-intensity list for gallbladder removal was the first in a Kent hospital.

The procedure, known as a cholecystectomy, is traditionally carried out with keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, which usually means five operations a day.

Robot-assisted surgery, using small incisions, surgical instruments and a camera, meant the team could operate efficiently and safely on seven patients, who were all able to go home the same day.

The robot is controlled by the surgeon and gives them greater precision, as the robotic arms mimic their hand movements.

Complex procedures can be performed with smaller incisions, reducing damage to surrounding tissues, meaning reduced pain and blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Mr Fehervari described the “consistent precision” of the surgical robot, which he controls during the operation. It allows the surgeon to operate more comfortably, minimising fatigue and maximising the time they can spend operating.

This precision is reflected in the time taken for each procedure, which he describes as “within a few minutes of each other across all patients, even though some were more straightforward than others”.

Teamwork and coordination also made a big difference, with Mr Fehervari explaining how the “theatre staff, nurses, and anaesthetic colleagues worked extremely well together.

“Everyone knew what they were doing, supported each other, and kept things moving properly. I’m genuinely very grateful to the whole team”.

He added: “The success of this approach reflects excellent teamwork and the benefits of this technology, made possible by senior leadership and management support in planning, resourcing and delivery.”

Senior Operating Department Practitioner, Hayley Piddington added: “Doing the HIT list was a really good experience; the theatre team worked very well together and had continuous patient flow with minimal delays.

“We are all very proud to have completed this list together; it had a great outcome for the patients.”

Being able to provide gallbladder surgery to more people, more quickly, means better care for patients, as they experience fewer bouts of inflammation and fewer visits to A&E during flare-ups.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust introduced robot-assisted surgery in October 2024, with the new technology helping staff deliver the highest levels of care and improve outcomes for patients.