NHS Fife Achieves Milestone with First Robot-Assisted Bladder Cancer Operation

The achievement represents the latest development in NHS Fife's robotic surgery programme, which continues to expand the range and complexity of procedures that can be undertaken for patients in Fife.

NHS Fife has successfully carried out its first robot-assisted radical cystectomy, marking an important milestone in the continued development of its robotic surgery programme.

Radical cystectomy is one of the most demanding operations in urology. The procedure can be required as part of treatment for bladder cancer and involves the removal of a patient’s bladder and prostate along with lymph nodes in the affected area. The patients urinary system is then subsequently reconstructed from a section of their bowel.

It is the first time this operation has been undertaken using robotic surgical technology in Fife. The surgery was completed successfully, with the patient returning home after eight days in hospital, compared with the typical length of stay of between 12 and 14 days for those undergoing open surgery.

The precision offered by robotic surgery can be particularly valuable during complex procedures, helping surgeons perform delicate surgical steps with greater control and visualisation. A recent study also found that robot-assisted radical cystectomy resulted in reduced bleeding, fewer transfusions, fewer wound problems and fewer blood clots than open surgery. Patients also recovered faster and were less likely to be readmitted.

The achievement represents the latest development in NHS Fife's robotic surgery programme, which continues to expand the range and complexity of procedures that can be undertaken for patients in Fife.

Mr Feras Al Jaafari, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Clinical Director for the Surgical Directorate, said: "Radical cystectomy is one of the most complex operations performed in urology because it requires not only the removal of the bladder, but also reconstruction of the urinary system.

“Successfully completing our first robot-assisted radical cystectomy is an important clinical achievement. It shows we can take on increasingly complex procedures here in Fife, with the potential for less bleeding, fewer complications and a quicker recovery for patients."

The introduction of robot-assisted radical cystectomy further enhances NHS Fife’s reputation in the field of robotic surgery. In 2025, NHS Fife reached the significant milestone of completing 1,000 robotic-assisted procedures, reflecting the continued growth of the programme and its benefits for patients.

NHS Fife has also become recognised as a centre for urological innovation and surgical education. In recent years the health board became the first in Scotland to offer Rezūm steam therapy for enlarged prostate conditions and subsequently the first to provide the treatment as an outpatient procedure, allowing suitable patients to return home the same day.

Professor Christopher McKenna, Medical Director, added: "This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise and ambition of our surgical teams.

"The successful and safe introduction of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy further strengthens NHS Fife's position as one of Scotland's leading centres for robotic and urological surgery. Most importantly, it means more patients in Fife can access one of the most complex urological cancer operations closer to home, benefiting from advanced surgical techniques and specialist care."