Surgeries are going to be less invasive soon at 琉璃神社 General Hospital (KGH) as it is set to introduce Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) technology.

This leading technology means laparoscopic tools will be connected to a surgeon-controlled robot, providing three-dimensional (3D) visualization and enhanced range of motion and control. 

鈥淲hen someone goes for surgery, it can be a stressful time with a lot of unknowns," said B.C.'s Minister of Health Josie Osborne. This new innovation at 琉璃神社 General Hospital will mean greater precision for certain surgeries, helping to reduce pain and blood loss. It also means quicker recovery times, so people can get back to their regular lives sooner.鈥� 

KGH is the first Interior Health hospital to introduce the new robot technology which can be used for urology, colorectal, and thoracic surgeries. There are plans to expand the technology to other IH hospitals within the next year.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 announcement marks an exciting new chapter of innovation at Interior Health, and a bold step forward into the future for the communities we passionately serve across BC鈥檚 interior,鈥� said Susan Brown, IH President and CEO. 鈥淚n 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.鈥�

Right now, the technology exists in some Lower Mainland hospitals as well as Victoria. It's also available in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� explained KGH thoracic surgeon Dr. Maurice Blitz. 

鈥淏ringing robotic-assisted surgery to KGH will be a monumental step forward for our community," she added. "I鈥檝e seen firsthand the impact of this technology in leading hospitals across North America, and I鈥檝e dreamt of the day we could bring it here. With the support of our community, we will soon be able to provide the very best possible outcomes for our patients鈥攔ight here at home.鈥�

The project costs around $12 million, with the KGH Foundation committing to raising half of the amount through its Closer to Home than You Think campaign. 

鈥淭he best hospitals, and best surgeons, around the world embrace robotic-assisted technology because of its significant benefits for patient care,鈥� said KGH Foundation CEO Allison Young. 鈥淚t鈥檚 time to bring this level of surgical excellence to our hospital.鈥�

Dr. Joshua Wiesenthal, Surgeon and Head of Urology at KGH has been trying to get this technology to the Okanagan for a long time.

This technology represents a true paradigm shift,鈥� said Wiesenthal. 鈥淚t substantially reduces post-operative pain, shortens hospitalization, and minimizes both complications and scarring. Beyond the immediate clinical advantages, the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery will signal a defining moment for KGH. It will position our institution at the forefront of surgical innovation, strengthening our role as a leader in patient-centred care, and opening new opportunities for advanced surgical training and recruitment. Most importantly, it will reflect our ongoing commitment to providing the highest standard of care to the communities we serve.鈥�

According to KGH, almost one million people in the IH region rely on the hospital for advanced surgical care.