Orthopaedic surgical teams at Ysbyty Gwynedd have now performed 100 robotically assisted knee replacement surgeries using innovative robotic technology.

Ysbyty Gwynedd is the first NHS hospital in Wales to perform robotic knee replacements. Using the ROSA system surgeons are able to personalise the knee replacement which provides more precise operations, potentially shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries. The system is currently used by three Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons, Mr Muthu Ganapathi, Mr Agustin Soler and Mr Koldo Azurza. Mr Ganapathi said: “We are thrilled to have reached this milestone at Ysbyty Gwynedd, this is a testament to the whole team who have embraced the opportunity to develop and use this innovative equipment for the benefit of our patients in north Wales. We started using the ROSA back in 2021 but due to Covid-19 restrictions and unscheduled care pressures it has limited the number of operations we have been able to carry out.

Mr Ganapathi and Mr Soler operating together using the robot
Mr Ganapathi and Mr Soler operating together using the robot (Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board)

“Since we began using the technology we have seen excellent results with some patients going home on the same day after surgery. Robotic systems like ROSA are excellent tools which support us to be as precise as possible while we operate.”

Mr Soler said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this type of technology and be the first NHS hospital in Wales to use it. We believe having this technology available to us will attract more senior trainees and middle grade doctors to come and work with us.