Blackrock Health marks milestone completion of 500 robotic-assisted bariatric surgeries

Blackrock Health has marked a surgical milestone in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), having now performed over five hundred bariatric procedures using the da Vinci surgical robotic system. When utilised by expert surgeons, the technology offers the surgeon greater precision, increased dexterity of instrument motions, and improved vision, and for the patient may result in reduced operative risk, reduced operation times, reduced post-operative pain, and earlier recovery. 

A burgeoning issue in Irish health, the need for intervention and innovation in obesity management is underscored by the fact that Ireland ranks ninth of 53 European countries for adult obesity.[i] Addressing this challenge from Blackrock Health is Mr William Robb, consultant bariatric surgeon at Blackrock and Hermitage clinics. The robotic system has been used to optimise the performance of Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses and sleeve gastrectomies. In 2024, Mr Robb will introduce the performance of the single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve (SADI-S) procedure.

Commenting on the surgical milestone, Mr William Robb said: "Celebrating five hundred bariatric surgeries with the da Vinci robotic system marks a pivotal journey in patient-centric bariatric care at Blackrock Health. The technical advantages for the surgeon mean that we can perform operations for patients living with obesity which are much more difficult to accomplish by the older technique of traditional keyhole/laparoscopic surgery. The technology propels us toward a future where every patient receives appropriately tailored care and can anticipate faster recovery. Through offering personalised care, the goal of our multidisciplinary bariatric team is not simply weight loss but rather achieving significant health gains. With every bariatric operation, we strive to enhance each patient’s quality of life and overall wellbeing.”

Blackrock Clinic CEO, James O’Donoghue, commented: "We are pleased to be celebrating this milestone of completing five hundred robotic-assisted bariatric surgeries. Enabling access to precision medicine is a central tenet of the work we do at Blackrock Health, and we take immense satisfaction in delivering improved patient outcomes. Our medical professionals are deeply committed to maintaining their knowledge of the latest tools and technologies to ensure they provide optimal patient care that is timely, effective, and puts patients first.”

To find out more about the full range of bariatric services available at Blackrock Health, visit https://www.blackrockhealth.com/treatments-procedures/weight-loss-surgery.