Surgical robotic procedure for kidney stones makes debut at King’s

April 26, 2026

King's College Hospital kidney stone surgery trial offers faster recovery for South London patients.

Robotic surgery debuts for kidney stones at King's College Hospital

King's College Hospital is trialling robotic-assisted surgery for kidney stones. This new approach aims to treat more patients using a minimally invasive technique.

The procedure reduces the risk of infection and shortens recovery times. It has so far treated 20 patients.

Minimally invasive technique for kidney stone removal

The robotic navigation system allows a urologist to control the camera, laser, and stone-grasping instruments. This ensures complete removal of kidney stones without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

Over 300 patients with kidney stones are treated at King's each year.

Diahann Walkes, 56, from New Cross, underwent the robotic-assisted surgery. She reported a smooth experience and returned home to recover just days after the procedure.

Day case procedures to reduce waiting lists

Mr Sanjith Gnanappiragasam, Consultant Endo Urologist at King’s, stated that the new robotic procedure allows patients to return home on the same day. This contrasts with previous procedures for larger stones, which involved longer hospital stays.

He added that patients recover better in a familiar environment. Offering day case procedures will help reduce waiting lists for treatment.

The NHS faces significant pressure on surgical waiting lists. In England, over 7.6 million people were waiting for routine hospital treatment as of February 2024, a figure that has been steadily increasing. This robotic approach could contribute to alleviating some of that pressure.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on official clinical data from King's College Hospital NHS Trust.

Document: Surgical robotic procedure for kidney stones makes debut at King’s - King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Source Link: https://www.kch.nhs.uk/news/surgical-robotic-procedure-for-kidney-stones-makes-uk-debut-at-kings/

Author

South London News NHS & Wellbeing Desk

From the corridors of St Thomas' to pioneering local clinics, the South London News NHS & Wellbeing Desk offers comprehensive coverage of our healthcare system. Our editorial staff provide clinical updates, patient success stories, and service analysis, ensuring our readers stay connected to the medical milestones happening in their community.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between clinical data and the patient experience, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, authoritative perspective on the health of our city.