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Health care reform

High-Intensity Theatre Lists Boost Productivity in Robot-Assisted Cholecystectomies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in the Journal of Robotic Surgery has demonstrated the effectiveness of high-intensity theatre lists in improving productivity in robotic-assisted cholecystectomies. Researchers from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust in the UK conducted a service evaluation to assess the feasibility of performing up to 10 robotic cholecystectomies in a single working day. The study aimed to drive increased productivity and reduce waiting lists for elective surgery in the NHS. The researchers successfully implemented a high-intensity theatre list (HIT list) protocol, achieving a 100% increase in theatre utilisation compared to standard laparoscopic lists.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the potential of HIT lists to significantly improve productivity in robotic-assisted cholecystectomies, with up to 10 procedures performed in a single working day.
  • The protocol resulted in a 100% increase in theatre utilisation, indicating a more efficient use of resources.
  • The study demonstrates the effectiveness of meticulous planning and parallel processing in achieving efficiency gains in robotic surgery.
  • The HIT list protocol has the potential to increase overall income in the context of a tariff-based reimbursement framework.
  • The study's findings have broader implications for the NHS, highlighting the need to adopt innovative approaches to reduce waiting lists and improve patient care.
  • The research team, led by Nicholas Jenkins, emphasizes the importance of adopting evidence-based protocols to drive service improvement.

Statistics:

  • 75,000 cholecystectomies are performed annually in the UK, making the procedure one of the most common in the country.
  • The study reports a significant increase in theatre utilisation, from 5 to 10 procedures per day, representing a 100% increase.
  • The potential overall increase in income, compared to standard laparoscopic lists, is significant and could have a substantial impact on NHS resources.
  • The study was conducted at the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, with additional authors contributing to the research including Jack Gray, Vanessa Tucker, Clare Allison, and Gijs Isaac van Boxel.

Sources:

  • High volume, quick turnover day-case robotic cholecystectomy utilising the HIT principle: a service evaluation for driving increased productivity. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 2025;19(1):682.
  • Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

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