I was the first person treated with an innovative microsurgery robot
Nick shares his experience of being diagnosed with a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma and undergoing pioneering surgery at The Royal Marsden using the Symani® Surgical System.
“When I first met with Mr Aadil Khan, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Reconstructive Surgeon at The Royal Marsden, he mentioned the new robotic system, Symani” says Nick. “He asked if I’d consider being the first patient to undergo surgery with it. He explained that the robot would make the surgery less invasive, improve precision, and speed up my recovery. I completely trusted him and his team, so I felt confident about being the first.”
What is the Symani microsurgery robot?
Thanks to funding from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, The Royal Marsden is the first hospital in the UK to use the Symani Surgical System.
It is a first-of-its-kind robotic technology which helps surgeons with microsurgery. This is a highly specialised technique for joining blood and lymphatic vessels, and the Symani will enable the surgeons to do this with increased precision and control. It will support future advancements in minimally invasive cancer surgery, for the benefit of cancer patients across the UK and around the world.
There are many ways the Symani could be used at The Royal Marsden, and you can find out more about the robot here. One of its uses is for reconstruction surgery for people, like Nick, who have undergone the surgical removal of a sarcoma.
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body’s connective tissues, including fat, muscle, nerves and blood and lymph vessels. Nick’s sarcoma was in his chest and due to the size and location, needed specialist help at The Royal Marsden.
“One day I noticed a red mark on my chest. At first, it didn’t bother me much, but over time it became itchy, irritated, and lumpy. That’s when I decided to get it checked at my GP."
“I remember it was around the time King Charles was publicly speaking about his cancer treatment, and I saw an expert on TV discussing how men can also get breast cancer. That made me think about the mark on my chest in a new way."
“I was only looking for reassurance, but ended up having an X-ray taken and a biopsy. When the results came back, the dermatologist told me I had a type of skin cancer. Hearing the word ‘cancer’ was such a shock! That was when I was referred to The Royal Marsden and I received my actual diagnosis of a soft tissue sarcoma.”
Receiving first-of-its-kind robotic surgery at The Royal Marsden
“My first visit immediately put me at ease – the staff were incredibly kind and helpful. I was put under the care of Professor Andrew Hayes, Consultant General Surgeon, who was very reassuring. He told me I needed two surgeries:
- A first surgery to remove the tumour
- A second surgery, led by Dr Khan, to reconstruct the area
"That’s when discussions starting happening about the Symani.
"I hadn’t realised how complex the procedures would be, but both teams communicated everything clearly and made me feel confident.
Surgeries like mine will pave the way for faster, more efficient procedures for future patients
“My first surgery, to remove the tumour, was performed by Professor Hayes. I went home with dressings and a vacuum machine to drain excess fluid while the team ensured all the cancer had been removed."
“The second surgery, the reconstruction using Symani, was carried out by Dr. Khan. When he explained the reconstruction process, he initially suggested taking tissue from my thigh, but I was concerned about visible scars since I wear shorts often. Eventually, we agreed to take tissue from my abdomen.”
“It wasn’t until after the surgery that I understood how significant this procedure was for the team. A nurse explained how much training and preparation had gone into it and how successful surgeries like mine will pave the way for faster, more efficient procedures for future patients.”
“I feel proud to have been part of this milestone and grateful that everything went so well.”
A quicker recovery and getting back to normal life
“Recovery was much smoother than I expected! The scars are healing well, and I’m sure the robotic surgery made a huge difference in reducing recovery time and improving the precision of the reconstruction.”
“I was able to enjoy time with my family over the Christmas holidays and slowly ease back into normal life. I’ve been lucky to have support from my 15-year-old daughter, my sister, my work colleagues, and my business partners.”
“The care I received afterward, especially from the nurses in the Critical Care Unit, was phenomenal. It made me realise how incredible the staff at The Royal Marsden are. Their kindness and care made me feel supported every step of the way.”
“I was also impressed by the modern systems and efficient communication. Everything felt seamless, from scans to follow-ups. It’s clear that everyone at the hospital genuinely cares about their patients.”
“I feel so lucky and proud to have had this robotic surgery – the fact that The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity funds groundbreaking equipment like Symani is incredible. Being the first person in the UK to have this surgery is definitely something I’ll be telling my grandchildren about one day!”
Help us continue to transform cancer care
The three-year lease of the Symani Surgical System has been made possible thanks to the Denise Coates Foundation and Mrs Emma Bishop’s generous support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Help us fund more state-of-the-art equipment to transform the lives of cancer patients, now and in the future. Donate today.
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