Use of robotics for surgical procedures positioned to grow at WRH
4-11-2019
Revolutionary technology that has allowed for safe, quality surgical procedures and faster recoveries for prostate cancer patients over the past six years will soon be put to use for kidney procedures.
The multi-million dollar da Vinci® Surgical Robot was delivered to Windsor Regional Hospital on July 8, 2014, and after several months of preparation, the first procedure was completed on September 11, 2014. Since that time, an average of 50 prostate cancer patients per year have benefited from this state-of-the-art as part of the Dr. Richard Boyd Regional Comprehensive Men’s Health Program and Windsor Regional Hospital. An anticipated 2,600 Canadian men will undergo a Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy in 2019 and this minimally invasive treatment option typically leads to fewer side effects and faster recovery times. This innovative technology right here in Windsor also means patients don’t have to travel large distances to access this technology.
Now, WRH is proud to announce plans to expand their Robotic Assisted Surgery Program to include partial nephrectomies, a procedure which removes part of the kidney to prevent potential spreading of cancer while retaining kidney function. Under standard invasive surgical procedures, patient recovery time can take many weeks; it is anticipated that by using the da Vinci® Surgical Robot, recovery times will improve significantly, as will a patient’s length of stay in the hospital.
The expansion of the use of this technology will allow for 25 partial nephrectomies per year, on top of the 50 prostate cancer procedures completed annually.
“We are delighted to be in a position to achieve further benefits for our patients through the additional use of this incredible technology,” said WRH President and CEO David Musyj, noting that this expansion could not have been possible without private donations to fund the cost of supplies to cover the additional expenses. "We are excited to enter this next chapter in da Vinci’s legacy here at WRH."
Minogue Medical who distributes the technology in Canada and provides clinical and technical support notes "We are excited to expand our partnership with Windsor Regional Hospital to help provide more patients minimally invasive surgery. da Vinci Surgical Robotic programs enable hospitals to provide not only better outcomes and a better patient experience but a better provider experience at a lower cost of care.”
The da Vinci technology first arrived thanks to an aggressive fundraising campaign that was launched in June 2012. In April 2014, The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation wrapped up its “It’s In Your Jeans” campaign raising over $5.4 million, with the centrepiece the da Vinci® Surgical Robot.
For patients like Rick Taggart, of Leamington, ON, the use of the da Vinci technology to treat his advanced prostate cancer meant he never experienced excessive pain or discomfort following his surgery in July, 2019.
"I am told by others that the recovery that I am experiencing is due to the robotic process used in the surgery,” he said, adding that robotic technologies "make for excellent outcomes with a minimal impact on quality of life. Robots need good people to make sure that the work goes well. You appear to have a great combination of all of these. Thank you and the hospital team for such a great experience."
His comments were echoed by Ted Gorski, of Harrow, ON, who said he felt blessed to benefit from the technology but also the medical team.
"I am a recipient of good health because of the outstanding medical team at Windsor Regional Hospital," Gorski said.
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