Faster recovery and less pain: how robotic-guided surgery is helping cancer patients like Vikki

“I was gobsmacked” says Vikki. “Cancer was very last thing I thought it would be. I had experienced a post-menopausal bleed which prompted me to get myself checked, but even when my doctor found abnormal cells, I didn’t think it could be cancer. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I was diagnosed.” 

Undergoing a robotic hysterectomy surgery with the da Vinci Xi robot

Following her diagnosis, Vikki was referred to The Royal Marsden, where she had a full hysterectomy. This was performed robotically by Marielle Nobbenhuis, Consultant Gynaecological Oncology Surgeon and Head of Surgery, using the da Vinci Xi surgical system.  

The da Vinci Xi robot was funded by supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and it is used to treat patients with a broad range of cancer types. Robotic surgery allows complex procedures to be performed using minimally invasive keyhole surgery, meaning faster recovery times and less scarring for patients.  

“My surgery and recovery went well. I know a friend who had the same procedure with open surgery and it took her 12 weeks to recover, whereas I was up and about in three weeks.” says Vikki.

‘Zapping’ cancer with heat

Vikki continued to be monitored closely by her clinical team using CT scans and chest X-rays. Unfortunately, in 2018, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her lungs.  

Her lung tumours were treated with three rounds of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – a minimally invasive alternative to surgery where heat from radio waves is used to destroy cancer cells - as well as radiotherapy and immunotherapy.  

Thanks to her lung ablations, Vicky’s tumours have shrunk and her cancer is stable.  

Vikki’s most recent ablation was performed robotically. The Royal Marsden is among just a handful of centres worldwide that provides robotic-guided ablation technology to treat lung tumours.  

RFA is traditionally guided by hand, but now, a robotic arm can be used to assist with the procedure, which ‘zaps’ the cancer with heat.  

The robotic-guided treatment uses a needle inserted through a ‘pinhole’ skin incision, just 1.5 millimetres wide. Compared with other surgical techniques, this can mean a faster recovery time, less pain, and no scarring.  

Vikki says: “My team had discussed other options including radiotherapy and surgery. Surgery would have been quite invasive, so I’m pleased they decided ablation was the best option.”  

“When I found out that it would be performed robotically, I was intrigued. This experience with my hysterectomy meant my expectations for the robotic ablation were good, as I know first-hand how robotic technology can improve procedures.” 

Robotic guided surgery offers new options for cancer patients

Dr Ed Johnston, Academic Consultant in Interventional Oncology, whose role is part-supported by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, is one of the clinicians carrying out exciting research into ablation.  

Thanks to the rapid advancements in technology, the use of robotics in cancer care is becoming increasingly common and it’s revolutionising how cancer specialists approach diagnosis, treatment and care.

For patients, this is already resulting in a shift toward more minimally invasive surgeries and procedures, quicker recovery times, less pain and fewer complications.  

Living life to the fullest, whilst managing sarcoma

Vikki continues to come to The Royal Marsden, receiving immunotherapy in the Charity-funded Diane McCarthy Medical Day Unit.  

“I cannot praise The Royal Marsden enough. The staff are all so professional, caring and so kind. It just feels like everyone goes the extra mile for the patient.” 

“I’m very blessed that I’m not experiencing any symptoms. Thanks to the treatment I’ve received, I’m able to do the things I love, like reading, walking, and baking, as well as spending time with my friends and family. If you looked at me, you would not think I have cancer.”