DORSET’S first robotic surgeon has arrived at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and is set to transform surgery for thousands of cancer patients.

The £1.6m Da Vinci robot acts as an extension of the surgeon's hands and fingers in miniature, and is so precise, it can even peel a grape.

Sitting at a computer console, the surgeon performs the operation with the aid of four robotic arms which can rotate 360 degrees allowing greater dexterity.

Consultant urologist Mr Andrew Wedderburn said they were delighted to be able to offer patients this type of surgery in Dorset.

“Robotic surgery can be used not just for urology, but also for certain bowel cancer surgery and some head and neck cancer surgery too.

“From a surgeon’s point of view it allows us greater precision, a 3D view and more dexterity, and whereas we would usually need two surgeons to carry out key hole surgery plus one holding the camera – one surgeon will now be able to do it all with a trained assistant.”

Patients will be able to spend less time in hospital and it also reduces the risk of impotency, incontinence and blood loss.

Philip Willson, a 54-year-old sales manager from Boscombe, was the first patient in Dorset to have robotic surgery to remove his prostate.

“Obviously there was a bit of trepidation but the level of precision it offered and the faster recovery time meant it was a no brainer.

“I was up and around within 24 hours – if you have open surgery you would normally be in hospital for about a week and there would be lot of scarring. I’ve just got a couple of minor scars. I had no pain and no bruising.”

The robot was funded by reinvesting income from private patient care provided by RBH organised through local charity, The Bournemouth Healthcare Trust.