The Histolog® Scanner is a revolutionary new device designed to enhance prostate cancer surgery outcomes and reduce the chances of having radiotherapy by allowing surgeons to assess the prostate for cancerous tissue in real time during surgery, rather than waiting for post-operative pathology results.
It should be noted that Royal Surrey is the first NHS Trust in the UK to acquire this device, further establishing the site as a leading centre for treatment.
Our Surgeons will now be able to adjust surgical planes and remove additional tissue if required, potentially reducing the risk of leaving behind cancerous cells and significantly lowering the chance that patients will require follow-up radiotherapy.
Wissam Abou-Chedid, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Royal Surrey, said:
“This technology marks a real leap forward in prostate cancer surgery.
For the first time, we can assess tissue in real time while the patient is still on the operating table – allowing us to make immediate, informed decisions that improve cancer control without putting quality of life at risk.
It means fewer patients needing radiotherapy afterwards, and more men retaining their continence and sexual function. It’s transformative, and I’m incredibly proud that Royal Surrey is leading the way.”
Royal Surrey’s Urology Clinical Director and Prostate Project Trustee, Dimitrios Moschonas, added
“Introducing the use of Histolog® further cements Royal Surrey’s position as a national leader in prostate cancer treatment and robotic surgery.
I am hugely proud and thankful that we have such a wonderful team within urology, who are always working tirelessly to help drive forward improvements in patient care.
As the highest-volume single-site centre for robotic prostatectomy in the UK, Royal Surrey continues to lead with pioneering initiatives.’’
Prostate Project Chairman, Martin Davies sees this as the latest introduction in a long line of equipment donations made by the charity.
‘’In the past 25 years or so, the Prostate Project has proven itself to be a wonderful source of funds, not just for the purchase of equipment but also support for research. It is a privilege for us to be able to help so significantly to teams at Royal Surrey Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and the University of Surrey.
The teams that we support are experts in cancer care, continuing to lead the way in delivering ground-breaking minimal access and robotic surgery, as well as brachytherapy and molecular radiotherapy.
Our supporters continue to give generously to our cause, and I am sure that they will all share a sense of pride and achievement at the arrival of the Histolog® equipment.
I cannot thank them enough for their tireless efforts.’’
The new equipment will undoubtedly add considerably to an already astonishing list of recent achievements.
In May 2023, Royal Surrey’s urology team set a world record, performing 12 robotic prostatectomies in a single day.
This August, the team were also shortlisted for a prestigious HSJ award in the category of Acute Sector Innovation of the Year, recognising the trust’s self-removal of catheter scheme for prostate cancer patients following their robotic surgery. Patients are taught how to safely remove their own catheters at home, avoiding return trips to the hospital. This initiative, part of a larger effort to reduce the NHS carbon footprint and improve patients’ experience, has shown a high success rate and patient satisfaction.
