Nuffield introduces real-time tissue assessment for prostate surgery

Nuffield Health Parkside Hospital has become the first independent hospital in the UK to introduce Histolog®, a real-time imaging system designed to help surgeons assess whether prostate cancer has been completely removed during robotic surgery.

The technology has already been adopted by a small number of NHS trusts and enables consultants to examine prostate tissue immediately after it is removed, rather than waiting until after the operation for laboratory analysis.

Histolog® uses massively parallel confocal microscopy to provide an instant assessment of surgical margins while the patient remains in theatre. Surgeons can use the information to decide whether additional tissue should be removed during the same procedure if cancer cells are detected at the edge of the specimen.

Nuffield Health said the approach has the potential to improve cancer clearance while helping surgeons preserve the nerves and surrounding structures that are important for urinary continence and erectile function.

The first three Histolog®-assisted robotic prostatectomies at Parkside Hospital were completed in a single day by consultant urological surgeon Wissam Abou-Chedid in collaboration with Prostate Care Limited. The procedures were supported by consultant histopathologists Dr Ben Haagsma and Dr Poonam Pingle, who provided real-time assessment of the prostate specimens during surgery.

More than 64,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK each year, making it the most common cancer among men.

Elizabeth Dowling, hospital director at Nuffield Health Parkside Hospital, said: ‘As one of the first hospitals in the UK to adopt Histolog® technology, we are proud to offer our patients access to this innovative advancement in prostate cancer surgery.

‘Ultimately, this is about achieving the best cancer outcomes while preserving long-term quality of life, helping more men recover with confidence following treatment.’

Mr Abou-Chedid said the technology provided surgeons with valuable information during the operation.

‘By combining advanced intraoperative margin assessment with a precise, nerve-preserving robotic approach, our aim is to maximise cancer control while minimising the risk of complications such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction,’ he said.

Nuffield Health said the introduction of Histolog® forms part of its continued investment in advanced surgical technologies across its hospital network.