Robots have become increasingly common in operating theatres following their introduction around 15 years ago.
They are controlled by a surgeon sitting at a console and usually involve three or four mechanical arms operating through tiny keyholes in a patient’s skin.
However a study of 308 patients last year found within three months that there was no difference in recovery or side effects between patients who had traditional surgery and those who had had robotic help.
Some surgeons have gone back to performing operations by hand because they are unhappy with the results of the machines. The robots are often funded by donations from hospitals’ charitable trusts.
© Daily Mail