UZ Brussel achieved a global milestone by performing 100 robot-assisted surgeries for patients with painful limb swelling.
Lymphedema is a condition caused by a disruption to the lymphatic system, which leads to persistent swelling that can cause discomfort and reduced mobility. It is often a side effect of cancer treatments.
"Lymphedema is still too often a taboo subject. Cancer survivors are told to be grateful they’re alive and learn to live with the swollen limb for the rest of their lives," said UZ Brussel Dr. Alexandru Nistor. "But for many, it’s worse than the cancer they survived, because it stays with them and reminds them daily about their ordeal."
The condition is traditionally managed through compression therapy and manual lymphatic drainage. However, the robot-assisted lymphovenous bypass offers a long-term surgical solution.
"A single minimally invasive procedure can lead to visible and lasting improvement in symptoms and limb function," explained UZ Brussel in a statement to the press.
Close-up of the "robot" surgery. Credit: UZ Brussel
In addition, this type of surgery allows earlier medical intervention and faster recovery. Most procedures take place with just local anaesthesia.
"Patients lie comfortably on the operating table, watch the surgery on a TV screen—like a cinema—and we explain what’s happening," said Dr. Nistor. "We talk, we laugh, and they leave smiling, with visibly less swelling."
With at least 100 patients discharged, UZ Brussel is officially the most experienced hospital when it comes to this particular microsurgery, which is performed with the help of the Symani Surgical System.
Dr Alexandru Nistor cutting a celebratory cake with a robot assistant. Credit: UZ Brussel
In addition, UZ Brussel also has the most experienced robotic lymphedema microsurgeon in the world: Dr. Alexandru Nistor. The surgeon performed all 100 procedures, always with a little robotic help.
The achievement is not only a success for the hospital and its medical team, but also the future of surgical procedures."The Symani microsurgical robot marks a turning point in the evolution of plastic surgery," said UZ Brussel's Dr. Moustapha Hamdi. "We are proud to be writing surgical history."
