New da Vinci Xi System Brings Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures Closer to Home for Patients Across the Region
SURREY, B.C. — Surrey Memorial Hospital has successfully completed its first robotic-assisted surgery, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of advanced surgical care within British Columbia’s Fraser Health region.
The inaugural procedure took place on June 23 using the hospital’s newly installed da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system. The surgery involved the removal of a lung tumour from a 55-year-old woman, who is now recovering following the minimally invasive operation.
The launch of the robotic surgery program is expected to improve access to specialized procedures for patients across Surrey and surrounding communities while reducing the need for referrals outside the Fraser Health network.
“The launch of Fraser Health’s regional robotics surgery program at Surrey Memorial Hospital gives patients access to proven technology that enhances their recovery and gets them back to their families and everyday lives,” says Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This significant milestone is another step we are taking to strengthen health services in Surrey to ensure people can access the care and supports they need.”
Advanced Technology Enhances Surgical Precision
The first robotic-assisted procedure was led by Dr. Ahmad Ashrafi, Fraser Health’s regional division head and chief of thoracic surgery. The operation utilized the da Vinci Xi system, which allows surgeons to control robotic instruments from dedicated consoles within the operating room.
The technology provides surgeons with magnified three-dimensional views of the surgical field and enables highly precise movements through robotic instruments that are steadier than the human hand. While the robot performs the movements, it remains entirely under the surgeon’s control.
“The surgery went well and we were able to remove a tumour using minimally invasive techniques,” says Dr. Ahmad Ashrafi, the regional division head and chief of thoracic surgery for Fraser Health, who led the surgery. “With the robot we can make smaller incisions, so patients experience less pain and scarring and have better recoveries.”
Fraser Health officials say the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery will initially benefit patients requiring ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures as well as thoracic surgeries involving the lungs, chest, esophagus and stomach. Previously, many patients requiring these specialized procedures were referred to facilities outside the health authority.
Investment Supports Innovation and Future Growth
Health-care leaders say the robotic surgery program represents a major investment in both patient care and the region’s long-term surgical capabilities.
“Introducing robotic-assisted surgery is another step forward in advancing innovation and modernizing health care in Fraser Health,” says Dermot Kelly, President and CEO, Fraser Health. “This technology supports enhanced surgical precision and contributes to improved consistency in procedures and outcomes for people. It also helps us attract and retain highly skilled surgical teams, strengthening our ability to provide quality care now and into the future. I want to thank our teams, partners, and the Surrey Hospitals Foundation for their leadership, commitment, and support in making this milestone possible.”
The acquisition of the robotic system was supported through a fundraising campaign led by Surrey Hospitals Foundation. The organization raised $4.5 million to help bring robotic-assisted surgery to Surrey Memorial Hospital, one of the busiest surgical centres in British Columbia.
“When we set out to raise $4.5 million to bring robotic-assisted surgery to one of the busiest surgical centres in British Columbia, our donor community responded in an extraordinary way,” says Nicole Robson, President & CEO of Surrey Hospitals Foundation. “Today, that vision is becoming reality. This first surgery is the result of years of partnership between donors, clinicians, Fraser Health and the community. Philanthropy helped transform Surrey Memorial Hospital’s operating rooms, and today it has helped bring robotic-assisted surgery to Surrey, advancing care for patients and supporting our leading surgeons with innovative tools that will benefit the region for years to come.”
Growing Surgical Capacity Across the Region
Surrey Memorial Hospital remains one of the province’s highest-volume surgical facilities. Last year, 79 surgeons performed approximately 18,600 surgeries at the hospital, with roughly 10 per cent related to cancer treatment.
Hospital officials expect the robotic surgery program to increase capacity and improve access to complex procedures closer to home for patients throughout the South Fraser region.
Among the specialists joining the program is Dr. Brent Chang, who recently returned to British Columbia after working at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, and previously leading a robotic surgery program at LSU Shreveport in Louisiana.
“Sometimes we have to find a very small tumour known as an unknown primary,” says Dr. Brent Chang. “With the da Vinci Xi’s enhanced visualization we can ‘see’ these very small cancers that are hiding in the body.”
Dr. Chang said access to advanced technology played a key role in his decision to join Fraser Health.
“Having the ability to provide patients with the optimal treatment that comes with new technology was an important part of my decision to return to B.C. and join the surgical team at Fraser Health,” says Dr. Chang.
Expansion Planned for Royal Columbian Hospital
Fraser Health’s robotic surgery program is scheduled to expand further this fall with the introduction of a second da Vinci Xi system at Royal Columbian Hospital. Under the regional model, urology procedures will be based at Royal Columbian Hospital, while Surrey Memorial Hospital will remain the primary centre for thoracic and ENT robotic surgeries.
Health officials expect additional robotic-assisted procedures and specialties to be added as the program continues to grow, further strengthening access to advanced surgical care across the Fraser Health region.