Victoria Hospital Launches Robotics Surgery Program, Transforms Care

A groundbreaking robotic surgery program has been established in Victoria, British Columbia, allowing patients to access advanced surgical procedures closer to home. On February 3, 2023, the da Vinci surgical robot assisted in its first operation at Royal Jubilee Hospital, marking a significant milestone for the region’s healthcare.

Dr. Michael J Metcalfe, a urologist and surgeon, played a pivotal role in the program’s development. He often faced a challenging dilemma when discussing surgical options with patients: they could either opt for local surgery with higher risks or travel to larger cities like Vancouver or even the United States for safer robotic-assisted procedures. “Every time I had that conversation, I just had knots in my stomach,” Dr. Metcalfe reflected. He recognized the need for advanced surgical technology in Victoria, especially given the stagnation in open surgery techniques over the past two decades.

Having a strong background in urological oncology and robotic surgery, Dr. Metcalfe joined forces with fellow surgeons Dr. McCracken and Dr. McCauley to initiate the robotics program. Their efforts were bolstered by Avery Brohman, CEO of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, which successfully raised $17 million to launch the program.

The program’s success has led to new fundraising efforts, currently aiming to secure an additional $21 million for two new surgical robots at Victoria General Hospital. This includes another da Vinci robot and a Mazor X neuro-robot, intended to improve treatment for brain and spine disorders. Dr. Metcalfe noted the high demand for the da Vinci robot, stating, “Now we’re all squabbling over time.”

Robotic surgery offers numerous benefits, particularly for patients with complex medical histories. Gerald Kersten, an orthodontist diagnosed with prostate cancer, exemplifies this. With a rare blood-clotting disorder, Kersten faced significant risks with traditional open surgery. The da Vinci robot allows for minimally invasive procedures through small incisions, reducing the risk of complications. Kersten described his experience, saying, “I never had that fearful moment,” attributing his confidence to the thorough diagnostics and care provided by the medical team.

Kersten’s recovery was remarkably swift. He returned to work within 10 days post-surgery and was cycling within two weeks. “In most cases, it would have been six to eight weeks before I could have gone back to work,” he noted, highlighting the advantages of robotic surgery for patients requiring quick recoveries.

The advancements in robotic surgery come at a crucial time. According to BC Cancer, the demand for cancer care in British Columbia is projected to rise by 60 percent over the next decade. Kersten emphasized the growing need for such technology, stating, “Statistically, with our aging population and people living longer, the chances of someone escaping some sort of surgery later in their life is smaller than it used to be.”

The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s campaign reflects the growing support for this initiative, with a recent matching donation of $7.5 million from a local philanthropist. This substantial gift is the largest in the foundation’s 36-year history and marks a significant step towards enhancing surgical care in the region.

In summary, the implementation of robotic surgery in Victoria not only provides advanced medical solutions but also improves patient outcomes significantly. As the campaign for further funding progresses, the community looks forward to establishing Victoria as a leader in surgical innovation in Canada. More information on the foundation’s campaign can be found at www.victoriahf.ca.