"Adding to our fleet is an enormous statement that shows UHN is investing in moving surgery forward," says Dr. Tony Finelli, Head, Division of Urology, Sprott Department of Surgery at UHN, who has been a long-standing advocate for robotic advancements in surgery.
"With advanced technology comes incredible opportunities for patients, whether it's a shorter hospital stay or a quicker return to work and life," he says.
Adding these robots increases the capacity and functionality of surgical teams, enhancing precision, accuracy, visualization and dexterity.
Nurses in the OR also benefit.
Kate Mlacak, patient care coordinator in the robotic surgery program at UHN, says the new robots will create a more efficient, safe and supportive environment for nursing colleagues.
"Adding more robots will create dedicated spaces for a greater variety of surgical disciplines, such as thoracic and general surgery, where rooms will be lined with specific surgical tools, putting an ease on the workflow of our nurses," she says.
As construction continues on the new surgical tower at TWH, teams are already looking ahead.
"Having these additional robots allows teams to grow and build capacity for the future with the new tower, so that when it opens, we will be ready to continue expansion of the robotic surgery program," says Dr. Allan Okrainec, general surgeon and Director, Temerty Advanced Surgical Education and Simulation Centre, Surgical Lead Planning and Infrastructure, UHN.
This expansion not only strengthens UHN's position as a national leader in robotics, but also one on a global stage.
"The new surgical robots reinforce UHN's leadership in robotic surgery and innovation," says Dr. Fayez Quereshy, Clinical Vice President at UHN. "They enable us to conduct cutting-edge research and advance the education of the next generation of surgeons, who will spread this technology and knowledge across Canada and internationally."
