Ekol Hospitals, a leading healthcare institution based in Izmir, Turkey, is proud to announce its successful adoption of the cutting-edge Da Vinci robotic surgical system in the field of urology. For the past two years, Ekol's surgical team has performed over 150 robot-assisted urological procedures - primarily for prostate cancer - establishing the hospital as an emerging leader in advanced minimally invasive surgery. This milestone comes at a time when the global demand for robotic surgery is soaring and as patients in the UK face unprecedented wait times for urological operations on the NHS.
İZMIR, TR / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2025 / Robotic surgery in urology is a fast-growing field worldwide - the global urology robotics market is projected to expand from $6.72 billion in 2024 to about $28.6 billion by 2033, reflecting an annual growth rate of roughly 17.7%. Yet in the UK, patients often struggle to access these advanced procedures in a timely manner. NHS waiting times for urological surgeries, including prostate cancer treatments, have reached record highs - averaging up to six months from "decision-to-treat" to the first treatment for prostate cancer in some cases. This contrast underscores a crucial opportunity for patients to seek prompt care abroad at centers like Ekol, which can provide state-of-the-art surgical treatment without the long delay.
Global Surge in Robotic Surgery and Da Vinci's Impact
The Da Vinci robotic system enhances surgeons' precision through multi‐arm robotics (shown here in use), enabling minimally invasive procedures with less tissue damage and faster recovery times. In prostate cancer surgery, the system's high precision also allows surgeons to apply nerve-sparing techniques more effectively.
Minimally invasive robotic surgery has rapidly moved from novelty to mainstream for many urological conditions. The Da Vinci Surgical System, developed by California-based Intuitive Surgical, is the world's most widely adopted robotic surgery platform, with thousands of units installed globally . It allows surgeons to operate via tiny incisions using a console that controls robotic arms equipped with micro-instruments and a 3D high-definition camera. Surgeons benefit from enhanced dexterity and magnified vision, while patients experience significantly less pain, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Prostate cancer treatment in particular has been transformed by robotics - in fact, radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland) is now the most commonly performed robot-assisted procedure worldwide, thanks to the Da Vinci system's ability to improve surgical precision and potentially spare critical nerves. Hospitals across the UK have also embraced this technology for its clinical advantages. Between 2016 and 2022, the annual number of robot-assisted surgeries in the UK (NHS and private sector combined) rose by an astonishing 341%. In 2022 alone, nearly 49,000 procedures were carried out with robotic assistance, up from just 11,000 in 2016. Urological surgeries lead this trend - prostatectomy is the single most common robotic procedure nationally, with approximately 43,700 robot-assisted prostate operations recorded up to the end of 2022 . These figures testify to the clinical reputation of systems like Da Vinci, which are now considered a gold standard tool for complex surgeries such as prostate and kidney tumor removals.
Ekol Hospitals' Leadership in Robotic Urology Surgery
Ekol Hospitals invested in the Da Vinci robotic system in 2023, bringing this ultra-modern surgical capability to its Izmir facility and becoming one of the first centers in its region to offer robotic urology surgery. For the past two years, Ekol's urology department - led by internationally trained specialists - has performed over 150 successful robotic surgeries for conditions including prostate cancer, kidney tumors (partial nephrectomy), and bladder cancer. The hospital's surgeons leverage the Da Vinci's precision to excise tumors while preserving healthy tissue, employing nerve-sparing techniques that help maintain patients' quality of life after surgery.
"Our experience with the Da Vinci system has been transformative," said, a leading urologist at Ekol Hospitals. "We have witnessed quicker recoveries, less postoperative pain, and excellent outcomes for our prostate cancer patients, thanks to the enhanced precision and control that robotic surgery provides. We are proud to offer the same advanced surgical technology found in top UK or US hospitals, right here in Izmir." Ekol's commitment to robotic surgery reflects its broader mission to deliver world-class healthcare in Turkey. By adopting the latest medical innovations and assembling a seasoned surgical team, Ekol has established itself as a pioneer in robotic urology in Turkey, ensuring that patients do not have to compromise on quality when seeking faster treatment options.
NHS Wait Times Highlight the Need for Alternatives
While the NHS in the UK has been gradually expanding its robotic surgery programs, capacity has not kept up with the growing demand. The publicly funded system has deployed roughly 150 Da Vinci robots across the country, making robotic assistance available in many major hospitals. This has made robotic surgery a new standard for prostate cancer care in Britain - today, the vast majority of prostatectomy (prostate removal) surgeries in the UK are performed with robotic assistance, reflecting the NHS's recognition of the technology's benefits. However, limited resources and staffing mean that patients often wait months to get their turn for these high-tech procedures.
Official NHS data and independent analyses reveal the extent of the bottleneck. The NHS's target of treating 85% of cancer patients within 62 days of urgent referral has not been met since December 2015. In 2024, only about 66% of patients were treated within the 62-day window, leaving one-third waiting longer. Thousands of cancer patients - including those needing prostate surgery - ended up waiting over 104 days (approximately 3.5 months) to start treatment. According to recent reports, prostate cancer patients in some regions have faced average waits as long as six months for surgery - a delay that clinicians warn can be dangerous, as early intervention is critical for the best outcomes . These lengthy wait times, at their worst level on record in the UK, are understandably causing frustration and anxiety among patients and their families.
The strain on NHS capacity has a variety of causes - from a limited number of specialist surgeons and Da Vinci systems available, to pandemic-related backlogs and rising case referrals. The bottom line is that many UK patients cannot promptly get the advanced surgical care they need. This scenario is driving a growing number of patients to explore options beyond the NHS, including seeking treatment abroad through medical travel.
Growing Trend: UK Patients Seeking Treatment Abroad
Faced with long waits at home, an increasing number of UK residents are looking overseas for timely medical solutions. According to the UK Office for National Statistics, the number of British citizens traveling abroad for medical treatment nearly doubled from about 234,000 in 2021 to 431,000 in 2023. This dramatic rise in outbound health tourism reflects both the backlogs in the NHS and the comparative affordability of treatment in other countries. Rather than spend months (or even years) on a waiting list or pay exorbitantly for private treatment in the UK, many patients are opting to have their surgeries done abroad without delay.
Healthcare providers around the world have responded to this trend by actively reaching out to UK patients. In March 2025, roughly 100 Turkish hospitals and clinics set up stalls in London at an international health tourism expo to showcase their services - a clear indication of Turkey's robust push to attract patients from the UK with promises of quick, high-quality care. Other countries have launched similar initiatives. In the Czech Republic, for example, one renowned robotic surgery center performs over 500 Da Vinci-assisted prostatectomies each year, having accumulated more than 5,000 such procedures in total . These high-volume international programs highlight how access to advanced surgical technology, combined with streamlined patient logistics, can dramatically reduce waiting times and improve outcomes. Patients who travel for care often report being able to schedule surgery within weeks of diagnosis, a stark contrast to the protracted waits they faced at home.
A Timely, Advanced Solution for UK Patients at Ekol
In this landscape of global medical options, Ekol Hospitals stands out as a compelling choice for UK patients in need of prompt urological surgery. The hospital is well-prepared to welcome international patients and offers a comprehensive package of services to make the experience as smooth as possible. Ekol's International Patient Department assists with coordinating remote consultations, travel arrangements, local accommodations, and post-operative care, ensuring that patients traveling from abroad are supported every step of the way. Thanks to efficient scheduling and dedicated surgical teams, UK patients can typically have their robotic surgery at Ekol within a matter of weeks of initial contact - far sooner than the months-long waits many currently endure.
Moreover, the cost of care at Ekol Hospitals is highly competitive. Medical treatment in Turkey is often available at a fraction of the price charged in the UK or other Western countries, despite offering the same standard of medical quality . For patients who would otherwise consider private surgery in the UK (or face indefinite delays), choosing Ekol can mean significant savings without compromising on outcomes. Turkey's health sector is strictly regulated for patient safety - all facilities treating international patients must be certified by the Ministry of Health - and Ekol Hospitals meets the highest standards of clinical care and hygiene. International patients at Ekol can therefore have peace of mind that they are in expert hands.
As the demand for robotic surgery continues to rise worldwide, Ekol Hospitals is uniquely positioned to provide world-class, timely care in the field of urology. By combining cutting-edge technology, surgical excellence, and compassionate patient-centered service, Ekol offers a much-needed lifeline for those seeking an alternative to waiting in limbo. UK patients suffering from conditions like prostate cancer or other urological diseases are encouraged to consider Ekol Hospitals in Izmir as a trusted partner in their healthcare journey. Ekol's proven track record with the Da Vinci system and its commitment to faster, effective treatment can help patients regain their health sooner and with confidence.
For more information about Ekol Hospitals' robotic urology surgery program or to discuss treatment options, patients and healthcare providers can reach out to FL Communications (Ekol's UK media representative) or visit the Ekol Hospitals website. Ekol Hospitals is ready to assist international patients in accessing the life-changing benefits of Da Vinci robotic surgery - without the long wait.
About Ekol International Hospitals
Founded in 2007 in Izmir, Turkey, Ekol International Hospitals is a globally recognised healthcare institution committed to excellence in patient care. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary expertise, Ekol Hospital provides personalised treatment plans across a range of medical specialities, including obesity management.
https://www.ekolhospitals.com/en/
Media Contact:
FL PR and Communications
+905330202554
asset@flcommunications.co.uk
References:
Global Urology Robotics Devices Market
Urology Hit Tech: Cancer Treatment Abroad in 8 Days with No Waiting List
Sharp Growth in Robot-Assisted Surgery in UK Hospitals
SOURCE: Ekol International Hospitals
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