Royal Surrey leading the way with ground-breaking technology for prostate cancer patients | News

Royal Surrey has become the first NHS trust in the UK to acquire a revolutionary new device designed to enhance prostate cancer surgery outcomes and reduce the chances of having radiotherapy.

The Histolog® Scanner, generously donated by the Prostate Project and Royal Surrey Charity, allows surgeons to assess the prostate for cancerous tissue in real time during surgery - rather than waiting for post-operative pathology results.

This technology enables surgeons to adjust their surgical planes and remove additional tissue if required, potentially reducing the risk of leaving behind cancerous cells. It significantly lowers the chance that patients will require follow-up radiotherapy.

Wissam Abou-Chedid, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Royal Surrey, said: “This technology marks a real leap forward in prostate cancer surgery.

“For the first time, we can assess tissue in real time while the patient is still on the operating table – allowing us to make immediate, informed decisions that improve cancer control without putting quality of life at risk. 

“It means fewer patients needing radiotherapy afterwards, and more men retaining their continence and sexual function. It’s transformative, and I’m incredibly proud that Royal Surrey is leading the way.”

Royal Surrey’s Urology Clinical Director, Dimitrios Moschonas, added: “Introducing the use of Histolog further cements Royal Surrey’s position as a national leader in prostate cancer treatment and robotic surgery. 

“I am hugely proud and thankful that we have such a wonderful team within urology, who are always working tirelessly to help drive forward improvements in patient care.

“As the highest-volume single-site centre for robotic prostatectomy in the UK, Royal Surrey continues to lead with pioneering initiatives.”

The trust has a number of world-renowned experts in cancer care, including those leading the way in delivering ground-breaking minimal access and robotic surgery, as well as brachytherapy and molecular radiotherapy.

In May 2023, Royal Surrey’s urology team set a world record, performing 12 robotic prostatectomies in a single day. This August, the team were also shortlisted for a prestigious HSJ award in the category of Acute Sector Innovation of the Year. This recognises the trust’s self-removal of catheter scheme for prostate cancer patients following their robotic surgery. Patients are taught how to safely remove their own catheters at home, avoiding return trips to the hospital. This initiative, part of a larger effort to reduce the NHS carbon footprint and improve patients’ experience, has shown a high success rate and patient satisfaction.