‘Exciting new chapter’: Robotic surgeries coming to Kelowna General Hospital

Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) will soon be introducing leading-edge Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) technology to its arsenal.

According to Interior Health (IH), RAS sees laparoscopic tools connected to a surgeon-controlled robot, providing 3D visualization and enhanced range of motion and control.

It’s something that KGH surgeon Dr. Maurice Blitz says he and his colleagues are “extremely excited” about.

“The RAS technology provides greater precision for certain surgeries, allowing us to complete more difficult surgeries, including cancer surgeries, while reducing complications, pain and blood loss,” he said.

KGH will be the first hospital within IH’s jurisdiction to utilize RAS, but extensive planning to expand regional access to the technology will be undertaken this year.

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter of innovation at IH, and a bold step forward into the future for the communities we passionately serve across BC’s interior,” said Susan Brown, IH president and CEO.

“In a fiscally-challenging environment, these strategic investments in leading-edge surgical technology will provide patients with the highest quality and most effective care possible while supporting the recruitment and retention of skilled health-care professionals.”

BC’s minister of health, Josie Osborne noted that RAS will mean quicker recovery times for patients, allowing people to get back to their regular lives sooner.

“When someone goes for surgery, it can be a stressful time with a lot of unknowns,” she added. “This new innovation at KGH will mean greater precision for certain surgeries, helping to reduce pain and blood loss.”

The investment into RAS at KGH is expected to be up to $12 million and the KGH Foundation has committed to fundraising half of that total.

IH said that robotic surgery at KGH is expected to be live by late 2025 following procurement and training.