La Robotic surgery has taken a qualitative leap In Teruel, the Versius robot has been put into operation at the Obispo Polanco University Hospital. In just a few weeks, the Teruel center has gone from debuting this technology in General Surgery to also integrating gynecological and urological procedures, with results that are beginning to be seen in daily practice.
This deployment positions the hospital as a leader in minimally invasive surgery within the Aragonese public systemThis is unusual in a medium-sized province. The combination of prior planning, intensive training, and careful selection of the first cases has allowed for the gradual and safe incorporation of robotics, both for professionals and patients.
How robotic surgery has been implemented in Obispo Polanco
The process began in early December, when The Versius robot arrived at the Obispo Polanco University HospitalIn just fifteen days, the General and Digestive Surgery team was already operating with the new platform, thanks to the fact that several specialists had prior experience in other robotic systems.
According to the head of the General Surgery department, José Francisco Noguera, The adaptation focused on thoroughly understanding the specifics of the new teamThe training combined theoretical sessions, simulator training, supervised practice in the operating room and visits to other European hospitals with experience in robotic surgery, supported by technical staff and expert surgeons.
In these first few months, the following have already been carried out around 25 robotic interventionsSome of these procedures are highly complex, and all are performed under very thorough monitoring of outcomes, complications, length of stay, and adverse events. The goal is to confirm in Teruel the benefits described in the scientific literature for other centers in Spain and Europe.
The implementation has also had an organizational aspect: schedule review, operating room management and circuit adaptation to integrate robotics without disrupting conventional activity. The hospital has gradually increased the complexity of cases, starting with less complex procedures and progressing to digestive, gynecological, and urological cancer surgeries.
This entire process is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Aragonese healthcare system, in which Teruel has positioned itself with its own robotics platform, adapted to the size of the hospital and the future move to the new hospital complex.
Versius: a modular, versatile robot designed for medium-sized hospitals
The model chosen for Teruel has been Versius, a modular robotic platform composed of several independent arms which are placed around the surgical table. Unlike bulkier systems, in this case each arm is mounted on its own column, which allows it to be moved from one operating room to another with relative ease.
This configuration makes it easier for the robot adapts to different surgical spaces and specialtiesThis is crucial in a hospital with a limited number of operating rooms and a planned relocation to new facilities. The equipment can be used only for procedures that truly require it, combining conventional laparoscopic techniques with robotic assistance when necessary.
Another decisive factor has been the cost. As the surgeons point out, The economic issue is not limited to the purchase price of the robot.but rather to the expenses associated with each procedure (instruments, consumables, maintenance, etc.). Versius offers a more manageable cost structure per procedure, a key factor for sustainability in a public hospital.
On a technical level, the system offers enlarged three-dimensional view of the surgical fieldTremor filtering and a greater range of motion for the instruments than the human hand. This translates into more precise maneuvers in confined spaces, something especially relevant in the pelvis. prostate or colorectal surgery.
Furthermore, the surgeon works from an ergonomic console controlling the robotic arms, while the rest of the team remains with the patient. This configuration, which has already been adopted by numerous European centers, allows coordinated work and a reasonable learning curve for anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and other professionals involved.
First surgeries in Gynecology: less trauma and faster recovery
After starting with General Surgery, the next step has been the incorporation of the Robotic surgery in the Gynecology departmentThis week, the first procedures using Versius were performed: three removals of fallopian tubes and ovaries due to benign pathology, selected based on low or medium complexity criteria.
The head of the service, Dr. Marta Garcés Valenzuela, emphasizes that The priority has been to start gradually and safelyby selecting appropriate cases to gain experience without taking unnecessary risks. The idea is to first consolidate the most common indications, such as myomectomies, hysterectomies, or genital prolapse surgeries.
In this field, robotics allows smaller incisions, less trauma to tissues, and very fine control of the dissectionAll of this translates into less postoperative pain, less bleeding, and a shorter hospital stay, with the possibility that many patients can resume their daily activities sooner.
From a healthcare perspective, having this technology available in Teruel reinforces the principle of equity: Women in the province do not have to travel to other referral hospitals. to access these advanced techniques. This avoids added costs in time and travel, something especially important in geographically dispersed areas.
Dr. Garcés herself emphasizes the importance of having a surgical robot in a hospital of this size. It also acts as an attraction factor for new specialists.For gynecologists in training or junior assistants, working with robotic surgery is a clear incentive when choosing a destination.
Robotic surgery in Urology: focus on radical prostatectomy
Meanwhile, the Urology service has debuted with her first robot-assistedThe head of the service, Dr. Pedro Giral, points out that complete prostate removal is probably one of the procedures where the difference compared to conventional laparoscopy is most noticeable.
In this type of surgery, accessing deep anatomical areas surrounded by delicate structures requires great precision. With the robot, the instruments They have far superior mobility and allow for fine movementsas if the surgeon literally had their hand inside the patient's body. This facilitates dissection in complex areas and improves the surgeon's comfort during long operations.
Radical prostatectomy is a key intervention in the treatment of localized prostate cancer or certain high-risk tumors. International experience shows that robotics can help to better preserve urinary and sexual function In certain cases, by allowing more regulated surgery on the neurovascular bundles.
In Teruel, Dr. Giral has been the first to taking the step towards robot-assisted surgery within Urology, but the goal is for other urologists in the service to gradually incorporate these types of procedures, following training paths similar to those of General Surgery and Gynecology.
As in other specialties, the strategy involves progressively expand the portfolio of urological interventions suitable for robotic treatment, from prostate pathology to certain complex kidney surgeries, always based on criteria of indication, safety and efficiency.
Benefits for patients and monitoring of results
Beyond its technological appeal, the deployment of robotics at Obispo Polanco Hospital is justified by its impact on the quality of care. Professionals agree that Postoperative complications tend to be minorThe average hospital stay is reduced and the patient can return to their personal and working life sooner.
In benign gynecological surgery, this translates to Less pain, less need for painkillers, and a faster return to workIn digestive and urological surgery, the benefit is seen in the precision to address tumors and delicate vascular structures, reducing damage to healthy tissues.
The hospital has established a continuous monitoring system, recording Indicators such as days of admission, reintervention rate, bleeding, or adverse eventsThe intention is to compare this data with experience in laparoscopy and open surgery, to confirm that the introduction of Versius provides real and measurable value.
Although the initial cost per surgery is, in principle, higher than that of a purely laparoscopic procedure, those in charge of the program point out that The return is seen in the reduction of complications, readmissions, and longer periods of sick leave.In other words, the investment is largely offset by the clinical and social benefits.
In terms of well-being, many patients particularly value that the so that the incisions are smaller and more discreetwith a lesser aesthetic impact and a subjective feeling of greater comfort in the immediate postoperative period.
A small center on the international map of robotic surgery
One of the most striking aspects of the robotic surgery program in Teruel is that, in a very short time, It has sparked the interest of surgeons from other European countries.On January 22, a group of specialists from Portugal traveled to the Obispo Polanco Hospital to observe live several procedures performed with Versius.
The aim of these visits is to see how a medium-sized hospital is organized to to practically integrate a modular robotic platformto evaluate the learning curve and assess whether this model fits their own centers. The exchange of experiences is bidirectional, as the teams from Teruel are also gathering input from external colleagues.
In addition, the hospital has prepared for broadcasting a robotic intervention live to an international congress on minimally invasive surgery being held in Seville. Although Bishop Polanco already regularly participates in live laparoscopic surgeries, this will be the first time he does so with the support of a robot.
This presence in specialized forums implies a Recognition of the work done by the hospital teams and contributes to Teruel being included in Spanish and European networks of centers that share cases, techniques and results in highly complex surgery.
For residents and young professionals, participating in these types of initiatives represents a significant training advantage, as it allows them to compare their daily practice with that of other leading hospitals without needing to leave the Aragonese public health system.
Impact on the organization and on talent acquisition
The arrival of robotic surgery has also had internal effects. On the one hand, it has forced rethink the organization of operating rooms, schedules and shiftsThis has introduced new tasks related to the assembly, calibration, and maintenance of the robot. Furthermore, it has motivated many professionals to update their skills and train in emerging technologies.
In specialties like Gynecology, where one of the challenges is complete and stabilize the templatesHaving a robotic platform acts as a differentiating factor when it comes to attracting specialists. The possibility of getting started early with advanced techniques is highly valued by physicians who are deciding on their professional future.
Something similar happens with General Surgery and Urology: access to robotics prevents some professionals from have to move to big cities or even abroad to develop their careers in this field. This retention effect is especially relevant in provinces that have historically had difficulties attracting and retaining healthcare talent.
Robotics also reinforces the center's teaching vocation. The Obispo Polanco University Hospital is consolidating its position as reference space for the training of residents in minimally invasive approaches, incorporating simulation, mixed surgery (laparoscopy plus robot) and live broadcasts.
All of this is based on a clear premise: make responsible and rational use of technologycarefully selecting the cases that will benefit the most and avoiding medicalizing or unnecessarily complicating simple procedures.
Short and medium-term prospects for robotic surgery in Teruel
Looking ahead to the coming months, the General Surgery, Gynecology, and Urology departments are working on consolidate current activity and increase the number of accredited professionals to operate the Versius robot. The idea is that it doesn't depend on a single surgeon per specialty, but rather that there is a large and stable team.
In General Surgery, the intention is to continue expanding indications in digestive oncological pathology (colon, rectum, liver, stomach, or pancreas) and in certain complex cases of benign surgery. Whenever the robotic approach can offer greater precision or less trauma than existing alternatives, its use will be considered.
In Gynecology, the plan involves gradually increasing the number of myomectomies, hysterectomies, and robotic genital prolapse surgeries, adjusting patient selection and continuously analyzing clinical and satisfaction resultsIn Urology, the aim is to increase the volume of radical prostatectomies and move towards other highly complex procedures.
Choosing a modular and easily transportable system will allow, when the time comes, integrate the robot into the new hospital Without major structural changes, something that has been taken into account from the beginning. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the platform can be used in specific educational programs and in future collaborations with other centers.
With these steps, the Obispo Polanco University Hospital consolidates a line of work that combines Technological innovation, public system vision, and local careRobotic surgery, which until recently might have seemed a distant prospect in a province like Teruel, has now become part of the surgical routine of several departments, with a tangible impact on the experience of patients and professionals.
The implementation of Versius at the Teruel hospital shows how a medium-sized center can incorporate High-level robotic surgery without losing sight of safety, equity and sustainabilitygaining competitiveness in healthcare and training, and bringing techniques closer to the public that until recently were only associated with large corporations.
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