04/08/2026
We asked Dr John Thomson, General, Hepatopancreaticobiliary and Liver Transplant Surgeon, what the arrival of the da Vinci 5 (DV5) robotic-assisted surgical system means for Ashford Hospital.
"The da Vinci 5 is very exciting for our surgical program because it means we now have the latest technology. It strengthens the robotic surgery program we already have and allows us, as surgeons, to expand the complexity of procedures we can perform for our patients."
Used across a range of specialties, including cardiothoracic, urology, colorectal, hepatopancreatobiliary, upper gastrointestinal, and gynaecological surgery, the system gives surgeons enhanced precision, improved visualisation, and greater control when performing complex procedures.
For suitable patients, robotic-assisted surgery may offer benefits including smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery.
Watch as Dr Thomson explains why the arrival of the da Vinci 5 marks an exciting new chapter for robotic-assisted surgery at Ashford Hospital.