A surgeon using robotic-assisted surgery technology.
Image Credit: KGH Foundation
April 15, 2025 - 11:10 AM
The future is now as robots are on the way to help surgeons at Kelowna General Hospital, and eventually around the Interior Health region.
Interior Health is introducing Robotic-Assisted Surgery technology for minimally invasive surgeries, according to a press release issued today, April 15.
A surgeon-controlled robot will be able to give 3D visuals and better range of motion and control during surgery, Interior Health said. The technology is going to be used for urology, colorectal and thoracic surgeries at KGH before rolling out to other hospitals around the health region.
“When someone goes for surgery, it can be a stressful time with a lot of unknowns. This new innovation at Kelowna General Hospital will mean greater precision for certain surgeries, helping to reduce pain and blood loss,” Minister of Health Josie Osborne said in the release. “It also means quicker recovery times, so people can get back to their regular lives sooner.”
The cost for this new technology is expected to be up to $12 million and the KGH Foundation has committed to raising $6 million.
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“Bringing robotic-assisted surgery to KGH will be a monumental step forward for our community,” KGH chief of surgery Dr. Maurice Blitz said in a release. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact of this technology in leading hospitals across North America, and I’ve dreamed of the day we could bring it here. With the support of our community, we will soon be able to provide the very best possible outcomes for our patients — right here at home.”
Almost a million people rely on KGH for advanced surgical care, and more than 10,000 people went there for inpatient surgeries last year. Blitz said most surgeons in training today are using this kind of technology.
“We need this technology if we want to continue to attract and retain top tier surgical talent,” Blitz said. "The next generation of surgeons knows this is the future.”
The new systems will help improve surgical outcomes, reduce recovery times and cause fewer complications especially during particularly difficult procedures.
“Bringing robotic-assisted surgery to KGH will create a positive impact throughout the entire hospital,” KGH executive director Lindsay Taberner said in a release. “This cutting-edge technology will allow the surgeons to provide the most advanced and safest care , optimizing resources, and thereby allowing our teams to deliver the highest level of care. Faster recoveries mean increased hospital capacity, ensuring that more patients receive life-saving treatment when they need it most.”
Interior Health is going to make a plan for bringing robotic-assisted surgery to other hospitals this year.
“In a fiscally challenging environment, these strategic investments in leading-edge surgical technology will provide patients with the highest quality and most effective care possible while supporting the recruitment and retention of skilled health-care professionals,” Interior Health president and CEO Susan Brown said in a release.
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