Robot-assisted endometriosis surgery offers hope to Wirral patient after 16 year struggle

Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral is proud to announce the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted endometriosis excision surgery, using their new state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical System, marking a significant milestone for the hospital and a life-changing moment for the patient.

26-year-old Eleanor Baker, from New Ferry, became the first patient at the hospital to undergo robotic-assisted excision of pelvic endometriosis after living with debilitating symptoms for over 16 years.

Despite a previous biopsy to rule out cancer, Eleanor struggled to receive a formal diagnosis, as her symptoms did not fit the typical clinical profile to receive further tests.

Eleanor first began experiencing symptoms and gradually noticing that activities she once enjoyed - like running - became increasingly difficult. “I couldn’t sit down for long without back pain,” she recalled. “Everyday tasks left me exhausted and sore. I’d be out with friends and have to ask them to slow down because of the discomfort.” It wasn’t until a conversation with her cousin, who also suffers from endometriosis, that Eleanor began to suspect the cause of her chronic pain.

Encouraged to seek specialist advice, and after a long wait on the NHS, Eleanor chose to pay for her treatment herself and turned to Spire Murrayfield Hospital. Eleanor had her first consultation with Miss Nahid Gul, Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon, in March 2025, followed by a pelvic MRI scan. Eleanor’s condition was finally confirmed, and a treatment plan was developed. Eleanor said she finally felt listened to.

Eleanor reflects on her experience:

Recovery was tough, however that is to be expected. I now feel absolutely fine, and you wouldn’t know I’d had surgery. The staff and nurses were amazing; they couldn’t have done more for me. Receiving a quick diagnosis is worth the peace of mind, I’m thrilled to be pain free and my surgery was successful.  It’s reassuring to have a professional and advanced technology available on your doorstep.”

This pioneering procedure marks a major advancement in Spire Murrayfield’s surgical capabilities. The da Vinci surgical system allows for enhanced precision, smaller incisions, reduced recovery times, and improved patient outcomes. The system will assist in urologic, general laparoscopic and gynaecological specialities.

Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral has been an accredited endometriosis centre fr several years. The hospital has two lead surgeons, Miss Nahid Gul and Mr David Rowlands who specialise in advanced laparoscopic endometriosis surgery and run a dedicated outpatient endometriosis service. Patients are referred to the Merseyside and Cheshire endometriosis centre from all parts of the UK and overseas, the caseload of the centre includes complex cases, severe endometriosis and endometriosis with rectovaginal disease.

Hospital Director at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Sean Crooks commented: “We are delighted to have successfully performed our first robotic-assisted endometriosis surgery. This reflects our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies that improve patient care and quality of life.” With the successful outcome of Eleanor’s procedure, Spire Murrayfield Hospital continues to lead the way in minimally invasive surgical innovation, offering renewed hope for patients suffering with complex conditions like endometriosis

 Miss Gul spoke on what being an Endometriosis centre means for patients: “Patients are reassured by having surgeons who are highly specialised in their field, who maintain their skills and operate regularly on complex endometriosis cases. Having an MDT approach to enhancing patients’ outcomes, patients feel supported by follow up appointments for the teo years post-surgery, so an overall a more reassuring process for patients so they can feel at ease.”

 Angus Thomson MB ChB FRCOG, Chair - BSGE Endometriosis Centres subcommittee said: "The BSGE are delighted to have Spire hospitals contributing to the network of specialist centres across the UK, providing care to people suffering from endometriosis. We are keen to speed up the route to diagnosis, enhance the access to the right clinicians and ensure that appropriate support is available. ”

Miss Nahid Gul, Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon at Spire Murrayfield Hospital