Pioneering robotic surgery helps Liverpool dad make it to daughter’s wedding

Michael Sellars became the first person in the UK to undergo pioneering single-port robotic bowel cancer surgery at Aintree

Instead of walking his daughter, Emma, down the aisle at the ceremony in Mallorca, Michael feared he would be stuck at home recovering. But thanks to pioneering robotic surgery at Aintree University Hospital, which is less invasive than traditional methods, he was able to make the three-and-a-half-hour journey only four weeks after his operation.

Unlike conventional techniques, single-port robotic surgery is minimally invasive, with the entire procedure carried out through a single 4cm incision. The robotic system acts as an extension of the surgeon’s hand, enabling a level of precision beyond human capability. Resulting in significantly less pain and a much faster recovery.

For Michael, 68, that meant being declared fit to fly in time to travel abroad and share the special moment he feared he would miss.

The retired father of three and grandfather of two is the first person in the UK to undergo single-port robotic bowel cancer surgery.

Although the prospect of the surgery was daunting, he had complete faith in the team at Aintree.

Michael said:

“I was told the operation would take around four hours, with the right side of my bowel being removed, as this was the area where they had found a suspicious growth.

“Considering the seriousness and complexity of the operation, I’m stunned by how well I have recovered. Within just two weeks of being home I was going on fairly long walks with my wife and even thinking about going out for lunch in town with friends.”

This is not the first time the colorectal team at Aintree has achieved a surgical first. Only six months ago, they became the first in Europe to successfully use robotic surgery to operate on early-stage rectal cancer using a transanal da Vinci access port.

Michael added:

“I’m quite proud to have played a small part in helping make this surgery available to more people.

“Having access to state-of-the-art technology and the skilled surgeons to use it right here in Liverpool shows just how fortunate we are.

“But most importantly, I would really encourage everyone to take up the offer of bowel cancer screening. I had no symptoms at all, and it was only through the routine test that my cancer was found.

“It’s quick, it’s simple, and it could genuinely save your life. If I hadn’t done the test when I was asked to, things could have been very different for me and my family.”

“I cannot thank the colorectal team enough. Our whole family will always be incredibly grateful.”

Professor Shakil Ahmed, Clinical Director for Colorectal Surgery at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, who led Michael’s procedure, said:

“It means a great deal to know that our work has helped give Michael, his daughter and their family such special memories to treasure for years to come.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to provide not only the very best care, but the support post-surgery that our patients and their families deserve.

“I would also like to thank our anaesthetic colleagues, theatre and robotic theatre teams at Aintree, as well as our management teams and organisations leadership, whose continued support has been essential in making this possible.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and I’m confident our service will continue to go from strength to strength, further establishing itself as one of the world’s leading centres for colorectal robotic surgery.”

Find out more on the University Hospitals of Liverpool website.

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