COLCHESTER is well-known for its rich history.

But it is also at the cutting edge of new technology and is leading the way in medicine.

Colchester is blessed with experts who have dedicated their time to finding new and better treatments.

The effort of one of those game changers was recently recognised in the BBC 2 show Your Body Uncovered with presenter Kate Garraway.

Dr Subash Vasudevan, who is colorectal surgeon, offered his expertise to Janet Wakelin, a Harwich pensioner who was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Using augmented reality, the consultant was able to show the 70-year-old the location and size of the cancer inside of her.

Dr Vasudevan said: “We didn’t have to repeat many takes because I just did what I would normally do and how I speak to my patients and do my operations so I kind of put the cameras out of my mind.

“I was quite relaxed.

“It was a proud moment and I felt really happy about it.

“It was so nice to be able to do it especially after the pandemic.”

The series gave viewers the chance to witness every key moment of Janet’s surgery operated by Dr Vasudevan.

He added: “The augmented reality bit really explains it to the patient. I thought that was really interesting and then to follow that up with the surgery.

“Janet quite keen to share her journey so that more people would benefit.”

One of the most captivating things about the episode was the cutting edge robotic technology Dr Vasudevan used for the operation.

He is one of just a handful of consultants from around the country to become an expert in the use of the Davinci Xi surgical robot in colorectal surgery.

The £2.5 million piece of technology was introduced 12 months ago at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Colchester, Clacton and Harwich hospitals.

Since then, it has been used to successfully helped carry out minimally-invasive colon, rectal and gynaecological cancer operations, as well as procedures for endometriosis.

And the best thing about it is that it reduces the post-operative pain leading to earlier discharge from hospital.

Dr Vasudevan added: “The whole robotics programme didn’t stop through the pandemic.

“It has lifted our morale up and everyone who has been involved with it.

“We feel we re able to do something novel.”

What makes Davinci Xi even more trailblazing is that it allows surgeons to move tissue or make cuts remotely with incredible accuracy.

They sit in the same room as the patient and look through an eye piece on a console while controlling the machine’s four arms.

Dr Vasudevan added: “The instruments are much more manoeuvrable.

“You can do quite complex surgery with a lot of positions at ease.”

“Sometimes operations take four to five hours and your whole body is aching because you are holding instruments and moving around whereas with the robot you are sitting comfortably. It is good for the surgeon too. “

With the new innovative robot, Dr Vesdudevan feels it is not only Colchester leading the way to a brighter future, but every hospital under the wing of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

He says he “loves every aspect of his job” and part of the reason why he chose Colchester Hospital was because of its contribution to minimally-invasive surgeries.

Dr Vasudevan added: “I have been a consultant for eight years and started training in 2002.

“What I like about surgery and the job is that I have the ability to ease people’s problems.

“Every surgeon enjoys the operating as you are able to make a difference to someone’s life with your skills.”