MKUH Marks 1,000th Robotic Surgery Milestone 

Date: 12/08/2025

Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) NHS Foundation Trust has completed 1,000 robotic surgical procedures using its CMR Surgical (“CMR”) Versius Surgical Robotic System.

The first robot went on trial at MKUH in November 2019 and proved such a success that a second arrived in October 2024. The two robots are now used weekly at the hospital for a range of colorectal, gynaecology, upper GI, urology and general surgery.

Named ‘Dr Bot’ and ‘Dex’ by local schoolchildren in the city, the robots have had a very positive impact for hospital staff and patients alike.

Professor Barrie Keeler, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at MKUH, uses the robots frequently and said: “Performing our 1,000th robotic surgery is a huge milestone for us and a fantastic achievement for our surgical teams who were early adopters of this innovative technology.

“Everything we do is designed to put patient experience first and improve health outcomes. Our city is one of the fastest-growing in the country and we have to care for an increasing number of patients every year. Investing in innovative technology, such as the CMR Versius surgical robots, helps us to do that in a safe, effective and timely way.”

MKUH also undertakes robotic-assisted abdominal wall reconstruction and complex hernia repairs using the Versius system. Mr Adnan Qureshi, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and chair for complex hernia multi-disciplinary team at MKUH, explains: “Being able to deploy Versius is game-changer for these complex operations which were traditionally done with an open approach. As a surgeon, I benefit from enhanced precision and control, and my patients are typically experiencing reduced complications, faster recovery times and less post-operative pain.”

The Versius system offers surgeons enhanced precision and flexibility in a range surgical procedures, enabling minimally invasive techniques that can lead to faster recovery times and reduced complications.

During the surgery, highly-trained experts like Barrie and Adnan set up the robot next to them at the operating table and its arms – which mimic human hands – hold instruments and a camera. Once inserted via very small incisions, the robotic arms are moved precisely by the surgeon who sits or stands at a console with a 3D HD view of what is happening.

Ana Raduc, General Manager UK & I, CMR Surgical, said: “This has been an outstanding example of collaboration at its best. Every Versius system comes with the support of a highly experienced team, from implementation and over the coming years. The success of a multi-speciality robotic programme is underpinned by ongoing dialogue, feedback, working as one team.

“In this case, our Senior Implementation Specialist, Mario Bento has worked closely with the amazing surgical and operational teams at MKUH to deliver outstanding results. I would like to congratulate the MKUH team also on the great research work led by Professor Barrie Keeler, such as the VOLCANO trial published in Langenbeck’s Archives of Surgery, the first randomised controlled trial of open console robotic ergonomics. From the clinicians and the theatre staff to the leaders of MKUH, everyone has been committed to this incredible partnership for the benefit of the patients.”

You can watch the full story here: https://youtu.be/FvSXC025F5s