The trust, which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, was already using the robotic system to assist with colorectal, gynaecology and urology surgery.

Using robots for UGI procedures means that patients benefit from higher-quality care, with less pain after surgery and they can usually go home the same day.

Rather than the surgeon holding the laparoscope and surgical instruments, they are held and moved by robotic ‘arms', which the surgeon controls from a console in the operating theatre. The robot enables the surgeon to perform an operation with even more precision and in a less invasive way.

Dr John Jones, executive medical director, said: ‘We first introduced robotic-assisted surgery to the trust in 2023, and it moved us into a new era of using innovative technology to deliver high-quality care for our patients.

‘It is fantastic that we are now performing robotic-assisted surgery on UGI patients, helping them to recover more quickly and with fewer complications. This marks another step forward to transform healthcare for our everyone in our communities.'

Kat Sofio, robotic surgery coordinator, added: ‘Introducing robotic-assisted surgery was a big change for the team, but they have fully embraced it, showing exceptional dedication and professionalism.

‘Robotic surgery involves many departments, and it would not be possible without the invaluable support we receive from colleagues in Sterile Services and Stores, who help us to safely manage essential supplies and equipment. It has been a very successful team effort so far, and we look forward to the next phase.'