Robot op John is feeling fine

John Mitchell

A FAILSWORTH man who became the UK’s first kidney cancer patient to have a tumour removed by a revolutionary robotic hand is recovering “nicely” at home.

John Mitchell (65) is expected to have no more treatment after the pioneering surgery at Manchester Royal Infirmary last month.

The married grandfather of five was diagnosed with cancer in January and was not told until days before his operation on March 26 he was having the new form of surgery.

Doctors said the quicker and much more precise surgical procedure meant he didn’t need major surgery.

Only five days after the procedure the Argyle Park Road resident is back at home and says he is feeling fine.

He said: “I am over the moon and I am so delighted the operation went so quickly.

“Some of the tumour was in an awkward position, which the new robotic hand could reach.

“A major operation would have brought more dangers, but this procedure has been been fantastic by the excellent surgeons. Now I am recovering nicely, which is great, and this procedure will help so many more people.”

The device, called Kymerax, is developed by the Japanese Terumo corporation.

Manchester Royal Infirmary, where Mr Mitchell was transferred to from Royal Oldham Hospital, is the second hospital in the UK to use the instrument. The first was Stepping Hill Hospital, in Stockport, who used the handheld robot to treat a prostate cancer patient.