Pedro Hispano Hospital is making progress in technological modernisation with a robotic surgery system

The purchase of the Hugo system was fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan and represents a further step towards the technological modernisation of the Matosinhos Local Health Unit.

The Matosinhos Local Health Unit (ULSM) has acquired Medtronic’s Hugo robotic surgery system, an advanced technology that will enhance the surgical capacity and clinical specialisation of the Pedro Hispano Hospital, in an investment fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

The arrival of this system forms part of the process of modernising and renewing hospital equipment, equipping Pedro Hispano Hospital with technology in line with the current state of the art in surgery. The funding provided by the PRR has, in this context, provided an opportunity to make a structural investment in the institution’s capacity to respond.

Robot-assisted surgery represents yet another step in the evolution of surgical practice, following the transition from open surgery to laparoscopic surgery, which is performed through small incisions using a camera that transmits images from inside the body. The robot does not perform the surgery autonomously: all movements are controlled by the surgeon via a console displaying a magnified three-dimensional image. The robotic arms replicate these movements with high precision, enabling more precise procedures without the surgeon losing visual contact with the rest of the team in the operating theatre.

For patients, this technology enables less invasive procedures, resulting in less post-operative pain, a faster recovery and potentially shorter hospital stays. Greater precision in hard-to-reach areas of the body can also help to preserve nerves and other important tissues, helping to reduce the risk of complications.

Initially, the system will be used by the Urology Department for prostatectomies, i.e. surgery to remove the prostate; by the General Surgery Department for the surgical treatment of obesity; and by the Gynaecology Department for hysterectomies, i.e. surgery to remove the uterus. Subsequently, its use may be extended to nephrectomies—for the total or partial removal of a kidney—gastrectomies, which involve the total or partial removal of the stomach, and other digestive tract surgeries.

For healthcare professionals, the system provides better working conditions, as the surgeon operates whilst seated at an adjustable console, reducing the fatigue associated with prolonged procedures. The high-definition three-dimensional image and articulated instruments also allow for greater freedom and precision of movement, contributing to the specialisation of surgical teams and to the attraction and retention of specialist staff.

For patients, this technology enables less invasive procedures, resulting in less post-operative pain, a faster recovery and potentially shorter hospital stays. Greater precision in hard-to-reach areas of the body can also help to preserve nerves and other important tissues, helping to reduce the risk of complications.

Initially, the system will be used by the Urology Department for prostatectomies, i.e. surgery to remove the prostate; by the General Surgery Department for the surgical treatment of obesity; and by the Gynaecology Department for hysterectomies, i.e. surgery to remove the uterus. Subsequently, its use may be extended to nephrectomies—for the total or partial removal of a kidney—gastrectomies, which involve the total or partial removal of the stomach, and other digestive tract surgeries.

For healthcare professionals, the system provides better working conditions, as the surgeon operates whilst seated at an adjustable console, reducing the fatigue associated with prolonged procedures. The high-definition three-dimensional image and articulated instruments also allow for greater freedom and precision of movement, contributing to the specialisation of surgical teams and to the attraction and retention of specialist staff.