Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital's expert consultants and pioneering robotic technology are improving surgical accuracy and recovery times for knee replacement patients across Gloucestershire and the south west – even when both knees are being replaced at the same time.
Its VELYS robotic-assisted surgical system helps surgeons perform knee replacement procedures with enhanced precision and personalised planning, using advanced real-time technology to support accurate implant positioning and alignment, and improve patient outcomes and recovery experiences.
SoGlos sits down with Nuffield patient Geoff to talk about his experience of having bilateral robotic knee replacement surgery, and how it's changed his life for the better.
Geoff, what led you to consider bilateral knee surgery at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital?
While I wanted to do more exercise, the pain was making it harder, so it was all going downhill and I got quite depressed.
My wife, Michele, encouraged me to go to a doctor, so eventually I went and had some X-rays and discovered that I needed both knees replaced.
The process of going though the NHS was very slow, so when my mum passed away and left me an inheritance, I decided to go and see consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Gosal at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital. We'd had experience with Mr Gosal in the family, so we went to see him for an initial consultation.
How did you first find out about robotic-assisted surgery?
At first we didn't think he would be doing surgery on both knees at the same time, but because my knees were so bad, if I'd had just one done I'd be lopsided and recovery would have been difficult, so we decided to have both done at Mr Gosal's suggestion – and he was keen to use the robot.
Did the idea of having robotic technology make you feel more confident about going in for surgery?
Had you ever had surgery before this?
I'd never had an operation before, apart from having my wisdom teeth out when I was about 19.
What was the experience like before you went in for surgery?
Once the anaesthetist agreed that we could go ahead with having both knees done, Mr Gosal came to draw the plans on my knees, then we were off.
How long did it take you to start doing things independently again after your surgery?
I got up and out of bed the day after the surgery, but stayed in hospital for three nights as I didn't feel comfortable enough to be doing things on my own after a two-night stay.
Once I got home, I had exercises to do, all self-administered physio, which I got into a good routine with and that really made a difference, because it would have been very easy not to do it. On day three or four I managed to get up, make a cup of tea and deliver it to Michele!
I came in to see the physio two weeks after – and I almost managed that without crutches, I only took one with me, just in case!
We had some trial and error with painkillers, which the GP helped with, so it took me about four weeks to shake off the residual mussiness of the painkillers and feel like my brain was properly functioning again – then at six weeks I went on my first walk with the dog after the surgery with Michele.
It was eight to 10 weeks before I went out on my own – and at around 12 weeks, after Mr Gosal signed me off, I was able to play golf again. I think I managed three holes that first time.
I probably expected too much and wanted to heal quicker. I was thinking that I'd be running after six months! I was doing the exercises religiously but wasn't sure if what was happening inside was what should be happening, so when I went to see the physio and he said that I was doing fantastic and gave me some harder exercises, it was reassuring to know that I was doing everything right.
How has the surgery affected your quality of life?
While I'm not entirely back to normal, in terms of the quality of life, before the surgery every step was agony and I was so fed up, whereas now I can happily go out with Michelle, my children and grandchildren and be on my feet for long periods without any discomfort.
Did you take advantage of Nuffield's finance options to pay for your treatment?
I did – I signed up for the 24-month interest free scheme and that was really good. I did it all online and was approved in seconds, it was very quick and has worked out very well.
What advice would you give to anyone considering knee surgery at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital?
With NHS waiting lists being quite long, if you deteriorate quickly the way I did, and you've got that bit of money, use it, because you can't put a price on time.
Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital has been very good, very supportive of Michele, too. The people on the ward were so friendly, the food was good, nothing was too much trouble. Nuffield are a good team, you could tell that they worked together really well, from the cleaning staff all the way up to the consultants, and that's important.
We love Mr Gosal, too. To have been doing the job as long as he has, the passion he has to help people, that's so nice to see – and it's not something you get with all consultants.
After my surgery, I probably should have reached out a bit more than I actually did, and got myself reassured quicker, so something I'd stress to others is that when they say contact us, they actually mean contact us.
My experience has even pursuaded Michelle to have both knees done at the same time, so it'll be my turn to look after her as well as she's looked after me. No pressure!
To find out more about Mr Gosal, and to book a consultation, visit nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/mr-harminder-gosal.
