Robotic surgery tool now in place at Winnipeg hospital

The Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg has a new robotic surgical tool to improve wait times and patient care.

The Health Sciences Centre has a new tool in its arsenal to help make surgeries easier for doctors and improve recovery for patients.

The hospital recently obtained the Da Vinci Xi surgical robot, which will be used to help perform minimally invasive surgery for complex procedures. It is the first surgical robot in Manitoba.

Jonathon Lyon, president and CEO of the HSC Foundation, said the new technology is a game changer.

“Robotic surgery means less pain, less blood loss, a lower risk of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to everyday life,” he said.

A surgeon sits inside a console and controls the machine’s robotic arms and surgical instruments. A side-cart is placed next to the patient, which holds the arms, surgical instruments, and camera, allowing the surgeon to see a clear video of the area.

“The robot is an extension of our hands and our eyes,” said Dr. Edward Buchel, HSC surgery site director.

The robot is currently being used for thoracic surgery (lung and esophageal procedures), gynecologic cancer surgery, and urology.

Dr. Gilly Akhtar-Danesh, a surgeon at the hospital, said she recently performed a surgery on a patient with lung cancer that they weren’t able to perform before, allowing the patient to head home after a day in the hospital. The patient asked if they could return to work two weeks later.

“Had this surgery been done the traditional minimally invasive route, this patient would have needed to stay in hospital for three to four days, would likely have required pain medications, and would have needed to be off work for four to six weeks,” she said.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said the robot will be a valuable tool for future recruitment.

“Surgeons and nurses want to work with the absolute best equipment,” Asagwara said. “These robots set Manitoba apart. It is one tool in our toolbox to attract the best and the brightest and those who are eager to improve care for Manitobans to our province.”

The machine cost $3.6 million and was purchased through the HSC Foundation’s Operation Excellence campaign.