New robotic surgery system in Sask. performs more than 2 dozen surgeries
More than two dozen surgeries have been performed since September using a new robotic surgery system in Saskatoon, the first program of its kind in Saskatchewan.
The da Vinci Surgical System, named “Daryl” in honour of Merlis Belsher’s late son, was funded by the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation capital campaign, which included a $1.1 million gift from the Merlis Belsher family and $1 million from the Government of Saskatchewan.
The program is controlled by the movement of specially-trained surgeons, which is “translated through the machine with precision to perform minimally invasive surgery,” according to a news release from the Government of Saskatchewan.
Procedures using the system so far have included surgery for the removal of the prostate gland, surgery to remove a kidney, surgery to remove a blockage involving the kidney, and surgery to remove the urinary bladder.
"The ability to offer robotic surgeries can help improve healing and recovery times, as well as reduce pain, bleeding and the risk of infection," Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Provincial Head of Surgery Dr. Ivar Mendez said in the news release. "I am pleased to be integrating this world-class technology in our operating rooms to help Saskatchewan residents."
Plans are underway for the program to expand to other specialties in the future, including gynecology, oncology, and thoracic surgery.
"We are committed to ensuring that Saskatchewan residents have the best health care possible," CEO for SHA Andrew Will said in the release. "The da Vinci Surgical System supports better patient outcomes and a positive health care experience, enabling our surgical teams to perform more procedures."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.