NHS Fife Completes First Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy

That the Parliament congratulates the surgical team at NHS Fife on successfully carrying out its first robot-assisted radical cystectomy at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy; understands that radical cystectomy, which can be required as part of treatment for bladder cancer, is one of the most complex procedures in urology and involves the removal of the bladder and prostate, along with lymph nodes in the affected area, followed by reconstruction of the urinary system using a section of the patient’s bowel; notes that this is the first time that the procedure has been carried out using robotic surgical technology in Fife; understands that the patient was able to return home after eight days in hospital, compared with a typical stay of between 12 and 14 days following open surgery; recognises that robotic surgery can offer surgeons greater precision, control and visualisation during complex procedures and can support faster patient recovery; notes that NHS Fife reached the milestone of 1,000 robotic-assisted procedures in 2025 and has continued to develop its expertise in robotic and urological surgery; acknowledges NHS Fife’s previous innovations in urological care, including becoming the first NHS board in Scotland to offer Rezum steam therapy for enlarged prostate conditions and subsequently to provide the treatment as an outpatient procedure; commends the expertise and dedication of the surgical and wider clinical teams involved in achieving this latest milestone, and welcomes the continued development of specialist services that enable patients in Fife to access advanced urological cancer treatment closer to home.