KHSC expands surgical robotics program, adds second surgical robot

Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is strengthening its position as a national leader in robotic surgery with the addition of a second surgical robot. The new system, made possible through the generosity of donors, will allow KHSC to effectively double the number of robotic-assisted procedures performed in Kingston and expand access to more patients across the region.

KHSC launched its A. Britton Smith Q.C. Robotics Program in 2018, and since its first year has grown from performing about 130 robotic-assisted surgeries to more than 400 each year. The program, initially focused on urology, now includes colorectal, gynecology, and thoracic surgery and KHSC is now recognized as Canada’s leader in robotic-assisted colorectal cancer surgery.

“This expansion means even more patients will benefit from minimally invasive surgery, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries. For some patients with complex liver or pancreatic cancers, this means avoiding a major open surgery altogether thanks to the growth of our program,” said surgeon Dr. Sunil Patel, KHSC’s robotic surgery lead.

The new robot, a Da Vinci XI surgical system, represents a major leap forward in technology compared to KHSC’s first robot that was purchased in 2018.

“It’s like upgrading your phone from an iPhone 10 to an iPhone 16 – the difference is profound,” said Dr. Patel. “We can now move around the chest and abdomen with far greater precision, take on more complex cases, and complete more surgeries in the same amount of time.”

For patients, the benefits are clear: robotic-assisted surgery reduces the need for large incisions, lowers the risk of complications, lessens the use of the intensive care unit, and shortens recovery times.

“This expansion represents an important step forward in our ability to deliver world-class, specialized care here in Kingston,” said Dr. David Pichora, KHSC president and CEO. “We are incredibly grateful to our community, whose generous support has made it possible for us to provide patients across southeastern Ontario with greater access to this advanced surgical technology.”

The purchase of the second surgical robot was made possible through the generosity of community donors and pledges via the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF). As technology in surgical care continues to advance, ongoing community support will be essential to ensure the robotic surgery program at KHSC remains at the leading edge of care and innovation.

“This achievement is a shining example of how community generosity drives innovation in healthcare,” said Tom Zsolnay, president and CEO of UHKF.

Jason Hann, KHSC’s executive vice president of patient care and chief nursing executive, said the expansion reinforces KHSC’s reputation as a destination for specialized care and teaching.

“Few hospitals in Canada have more than one robotic surgical system. By investing in this technology, KHSC is ensuring that patients and medical trainees in our region have access to the same leading-edge technology found in the country’s top academic centres.”

The second surgical robot is now in active use at KHSC with operating room teams beginning to perform procedures earlier this month. It is running now in parallel to KHSC’s first robot which also remains in operation.