University Hospital St.Marina – Pleven is distinguished from other hospitals in Bulgaria by its undisputed experience and achievements in the field of robotic surgery. Over the years it has become a leading center for the training of residents and the development of serious research and practical activities. Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical approach that provides patients with precise and safe surgical treatment.

Currently, in the last 4 years, University Hospital St.Marina – Pleven has performed more than 10 000 robotic surgeries, including 7500 gynaecological, 240 urological and 100 abdominal surgeries.

The first robotic radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland) in Bulgaria was performed at the hospital in 2010 as a demonstration operation by Prof. Dr. Ottavio De Cobelli from the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.

Acad. Dr. Grigor Gortchev and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikolay Kolev performed the first nephrectomy (kidney removal) on the territory of the hospital in 2010.

In 2011, the first Bulgarian medical team at the University Hospital St. Marina – Pleven, under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikolay Kolev as a console surgeon, performed the first robotic radical prostatectomy.

These events marked the official start of the development of robotic urological surgery in Bulgaria and initiated the establishment of the first Bulgarian urological team working with the robotic system.

University Hospital St. Marina – Pleven is equipped with the latest generation DaVinci robotic surgical system, which allows performing highly gentle interventions.

What is DaVinci?

The DaVinci Robotic Surgical System is used in gynecology, urology, and general surgery departments. Its technology includes:

• Surgical arms with small instruments at their ends;
• A special camera for a magnified three-dimensional view of the surgical area;
• A surgical console from which the surgeon controls every movement of the instruments and camera.

The introduction of the robotic system into clinical practice has led to improved surgical, therapeutic and recovery outcomes. Numerous patient benefits have been demonstrated in its application:

• Minimally invasive surgery;
• Precision and patient safety;
• No incisions and scarring;
• Reduced blood loss;
• Reduced post-operative pain and discomfort;
• Quick recovery and return of the patient to normal social life.