July 20, 2023
Fraser Health is launching a $9-million robotic surgery program which will see surgeons sitting at a console and operating remote-controlled robotic arms to perform procedures. The health authority says patients will benefit from more precise and minimally invasive surgery, leading to less pain and scarring, as well as faster recovery times. All qualified surgeons will be able to use the program, which is scheduled to launch in fall 2025. The first surgical specialties that will use robotics will be ear, nose and throat and thoracic, as well as urology. Fraser Health aims to expand the program to other surgical specialties thereafter.