ROYAL Surrey County Hospital is celebrating being named the UK’s first epicentre for training in robotic surgery.

The trust has been recognised by Intuitive Surgical for its work in gynaecological oncology.

Guildford’s Royal Surrey will host surgeons from around the world keen to study the specialised techniques under the tutorship of consultant surgeons Simon Butler-Manuel, Anil Tailor and Patricia Ellis.

The accolade follows the trust’s investment in two new state-of-the-art da Vinci Si machines at the end of last year, which allow the surgical teams to perform complex procedures with increased precision, whilst using a minimal invasive approach.

As a result, patients benefit from shorter stays in hospital, faster recovery and less discomfort after surgery.

The robots have proved invaluable to Royal Surrey’s gynaecological oncology department and have proved particularly useful in preserving the fertility of young women affected with cervical cancer.

They have also been used successfully to treat obese patients, who would otherwise be refused for surgery.

Consultant gynaecological oncologist Simon Butler-Manuel, said: “We are extremely honoured that our enthusiasm and expertise has been recognised and Royal Surrey has been named as an epicentre of robotics.

“We have been training surgeons informally for over five years on the robots, with doctors choosing to come here from all over the world.

“The new robots have broadened both our practices and teaching ability, it’s a bit like learning to drive as they have a dual-control console.

“Six surgeons have already completed fellowships at Royal Surrey, spending between six months and two years at the trust.

“Royal Surrey has a very good name on the international stage for gynaecological oncology and that means that we can attract the best surgeons from around the globe. This has put Guildford on the international map.”