Mr Jamil Ahmed

Implementation of da Vinci Xi robotic colorectal surgery by fellowship-trained surgeons using a standardised modular technique: a multicentre study from two UK units

Abstract Introduction: Robotic colorectal surgery is expanding across the NHS, but rapid adoption risks variability without structured training and clear reporting. We evaluated short-term outcomes from two UK units after service implementation by fellowship-trained surgeons using a standardised, modular technique. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicentre observational study of consecutive adults undergoing robotic-assisted colorectal resection at two NHS trusts (April 2022 to July 2025). Two consultant colorectal surgeons, each having completed a modular robotic fellowship, performed all operations. Demographics, procedure type, conversion, operating time, length of stay (LOS), 30-day return to theatre, 90-day mortality, Clavien-Dindo (CD) complications and margin status were recorded. Anastomotic leak was predefined as leak requiring intervention (CD≥3). Data are presented as median (IQR) or n (%); no comparative testing was planned. Results: This study included 184 patients, mostly with malignant disease (177/184, 96.2%). Median age was 70 years (IQR 60-76) and median BMI 27 (IQR 24-31). Operations covered right- and left-sided colonic and rectal resections; 80/184 (43%) were for rectal cancer. There were no conversions to laparoscopy or open surgery. Median operating time was 231 minutes (IQR 173–350) and median length of stay 5 days (IQR 4-8). Eleven patients (6%) returned to theatre within 30 days and there were no 90-day mortalities. Overall postoperative morbidity was low, with Clavien-Dindo grade 1-2 complications in 44 patients (24%), grade 3 in 12 (7%), and grade 4 in 1 (1%). For malignant cases, R0 resection was achieved in 175/177 (98.9%). Across all anastomoses (n=151), clinically significant leaks occurred in 4/151 (2.6%), all in the rectal cancer subgroup (4/55, 7.3%); no colonic leaks were observed

Robotic colorectal surgery

Corby Community Diagnostic Centre and NGH's robotic surgery team feature in a national campaign MR1713 Robotic Surgery advert The testing delivered by Corby Community Diagnostic Centre and the robotic surgery delivered by Northampton General Hospital are being featured in a national campaign. The campaign is called ‘NHS Fit for the Future’ and highlights how investment in new approaches to healthcare are improving patient care and reducing NHS waiting times. The campaign is being featured across a range of channels, including YouTube, social media, Google advertising and radio stations. The filming for the Northamptonshire part of the campaign was carried out on behalf of the Cabinet Office’s New Media Unit in Corby and Northampton on September 3-4. In Corby our Community Diagnostic Centre Programme Lead, Claire Day, and Respiratory Consultant, Tom Ward, were both interviewed and filmed on the impact of our £11.7m CDC since it opened in June 2025. Claire said: “It was a great opportunity to demonstrate how our centre, which will deliver more than 90,000 tests each year, supports out local community by giving them faster access to things like CT, MRI, ultrasound, echocardiography, and blood tests in a convenient location closer to their homes.” Tom said: “We are also using the CDC to develop new pathways to make it easier for patients to be tested for things like childhood asthma and breathlessness and to reduce the need for multiple hospital visits.” Corby Community Diagnostic Centre - also known as Broadleaf House - is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm for pre-booked appointments and supports GPs and hospital teams to diagnose a range of conditions earlier. In Northampton Mr Jamil Ahmed, UHN’s Deputy Director of Medical Education, who is also a consultant colorectal surgeon and lead for robotic colorectal surgery, was interviewed alongside Surgical Care Practitioner Sathian Kizhakkinayil. Jamil said: “It gave us an opportunity to emphasise how much of a contribution robotic-assisted surgery can make to patient care making it safer and with shorter lengths of stay in hospital. “The fact we were chosen as a great representative of robotic surgery, and the benefits it can bring, also shows how the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire is becoming a leading centre in the UK for this kind of work.” Sathian said: “Robotic surgery is a perfect balance showing how technology combined with human skill can make a real difference to patient outcomes. “It is very satisfying to see a patient recover quickly from robotic surgery and to know that you have played a part in helping to deliver them from a very serious illness like cancer.” University Hospitals of Northamptonshire’s Medical Director, Mr Hemant Nemade, said: “We were very pleased to be able to showcase the outstanding work being delivered at Corby Community Diagnostic Centre and by our robotic surgery teams. “Both of these developments are helping to speed-up and improve care for our patients every day and are great examples of technology and clinical expertise working in tandem. “I want to say a big thank you to Claire, Tom, Jamil and Sathian for their great work with the filming team.” Our teams will be featured in the national campaign from this week.