Portugal expands surgical capabilities with new robotic technology

Healthcare institutions in Portugal are expanding their surgical capabilities through the implementation of robotic technology.

The Unidade Local de Saúde do Oeste (ULS do Oeste) recently conducted its first robotic surgery within the specialty of Urology. The institution noted that this technological advancement is intended to modernize healthcare services and improve surgical response capacities for the region, which includes municipalities such as Caldas da Rainha and Torres Vedras.

In the Azores, the Hospital Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada is set to begin using a fifth-generation surgical robot in November. Funded by a 2.9 million euro investment from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), the equipment is expected to benefit specialties including otorhinolaryngology, urology, general surgery, and gynecology. Project manager Luís Bernardo stated the technology aims to combine immersive surgical vision with minimally invasive techniques to reduce patient complications and hospital stay durations.