'Robotic technology is the way forward' for cancer surgery

William Duncan, a 59-year-old former engineer from Douglas Bridge in County Tyrone, underwent robotic-assisted surgery in October 2025 to remove early-stage oesophageal cancer, becoming the first in Northern Ireland to receive this treatment. Diagnosed after experiencing difficulty swallowing and vomiting, Duncan embraced the robotic oesophagectomy without hesitation, citing his engineering background and confidence in the technology. The procedure, performed at a Northern Ireland hospital, required only small incisions, leading to a nine-day hospital stay—one night in ICU—and a swift recovery, allowing him to resume activities he hadn’t done in years. Robotic surgery offers advantages over traditional open surgery, including reduced pain, blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. Northern Ireland currently operates four £2m surgical robots—two at Belfast City Hospital and one each at Altnagelvin and Ulster hospitals. Initially used for prostatectomy, their application has expanded to colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, and gynaecology procedures. The Department of Health allocated £788,000 annually to support robotic prostatectomy at Belfast Trust, marking a shift toward minimally invasive techniques. Duncan, a classic car enthusiast, advises others to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms like swallowing difficulties or persistent reflux, which he initially ignored. He also encourages patients to opt for robotic surgery if offered, emphasizing its safety and efficiency. 'I had absolutely no fear of robots,' he said, calling the technology 'the way forward' and praising Northern Ireland’s cancer treatment teams as among the best globally.