Use of the Da Vinci equipment marks a “turning point” in surgical practices in the country, Kásler said, adding that robotic procedures could be performed more precisely and would be less stressful for patients, with shorter recovery times.

Kásler said robotic procedures could not only be used in urology, but for gynaecological, chest, abdominal, as well as head and neck operations, too.

He also added that ten similar operations have been scheduled in the next two weeks.

The minister said robotic surgery was introduced under a 1.3 billion forint (EUR 3.6m) government programme.

The institute will also provide courses to train surgeons to use the new technology, he added.

MTI Photo: József Balaton