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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.