Robotic Surgery Portugal: A Landmark Achievement at ULS Viseu Dão-Lafões

Robotic Surgery Portugal Achieves Historic First at ULS Viseu Dão-Lafões

Robotic surgery Portugal has reached a new milestone with the successful first procedure at the Local Health Unit (ULS) Viseu Dão-Lafões, targeting a colorectal lesion in general surgery. This intervention used the Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system, introducing Ligasure RAS technology for vessel cutting and sealing. Fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) with over €1.9 million invested, it highlights multidisciplinary teamwork from general surgery, anesthesiology, operating room services, and nursing, expanding minimally invasive options in general surgery, gynaecology, and urology. Details emerged from The Portugal News report on this breakthrough.

Hugo™ RAS Boosts Precision in Complex Anatomy

The Hugo™ RAS system’s multi-quadrant modular design features articulated instruments, 3D visualization, and surgical video recording, enhancing precision in hard-to-reach areas. Robotic surgery Portugal now leverages this for colorectal treatments with lower complication and infection risks, as noted by ULS leaders. Ligasure RAS bipolar energy streamlines vessel management, cutting hospitalization times and speeding patient recovery for quicker returns to normal life and better quality of life.

Multidisciplinary Execution Powers Debut Success

A coordinated team from general surgery, anesthesiology, operating room staff, and nursing performed the surgery at São Teotónio Hospital in Viseu on the new Hugo™ RAS platform. This PRR-funded €1.9 million setup targets minimally invasive work in key specialties, with the colorectal case setting the stage for wider use. Advanced tools like Ligasure RAS confirm the system’s dependability for intricate operations, blending hands-on execution with future growth.

Economic Wins for SNS and Regional Equity

Deploying Hugo™ RAS at ULS Viseu Dão-Lafões optimizes costs by shortening recoveries and reducing complications, easing burdens on Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS). In health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) terms, the PRR’s €1.9 million upfront cost delivers value through efficiency and fairness, bringing cutting-edge care to remote areas. It supports surgeon training, retention, and patient-focused models, accelerating robotic surgery Portugal adoption via public funds for better access, quality, and affordability.