Across Ontario, more patients with cancer are benefiting from innovations that make surgery less invasive, more precise and easier to recover from. At Hennick Humber Hospital, robotic-assisted surgery is helping transform the cancer care experience by bringing advanced surgical treatment closer to home for patients across the Greater Toronto Area. 

As Canada’s first fully digital hospital, Hennick Humber Hospital has built a reputation for embracing innovation to improve patient outcomes. From artificial intelligence and digital health solutions to state-of-the-art surgical technologies, the hospital continues to invest in tools that enhance the quality, safety and efficiency of care. Robotic-assisted surgery is one of the most significant examples of that commitment which began more than a decade ago.  

Precision Technology, Expert Surgeons 

Robotic-assisted surgery combines advanced technology with the expertise of highly skilled surgeons. Using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, surgeons remain in complete control throughout the procedure, guiding robotic instruments from a surgical console. The technology translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, highly precise actions while providing enhanced three-dimensional visualization of the surgical field.  

The system’s advanced capabilities allow surgeons to navigate complex anatomical structures with greater precision and access areas that may be difficult to reach using traditional surgical approaches. For many cancer patients, this means the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without compromising surgical effectiveness. 

Benefits for Patients 

Robotic-assisted surgery has become an increasingly important part of modern cancer care because of the potential advantages it offers patients. At Hennick Humber Hospital, patients undergoing robotic-assisted procedures may experience: 

• Smaller incisions and reduced blood loss 
• Less post-operative pain 
• Fewer complications 
• Shorter hospital stays 
• Faster recovery and return to daily activities 

These benefits are particularly important for cancer patients, who often face additional treatments and recovery challenges following surgery. By supporting earlier recovery, robotic-assisted procedures can help patients return home sooner and continue their cancer treatment journey with less disruption. 

Beyond the patient benefits, robotic surgery also helps preserve inpatient capacity and improve timely access to surgical care, allowing hospitals to care for more patients efficiently. 

Expanding Access to Robotic Cancer Surgery 

Hennick Humber Hospital continues to expand access to robotic-assisted procedures for a growing range of cancers, ensuring patients can receive advanced surgical treatment closer to home. 

Today, robotic-assisted surgery supports the treatment of: 

• Prostate cancer 
• Kidney cancer 
• Rectal and colorectal cancers 
• Gastric cancer 
• Bladder cancer 

As the program evolves, more patients are gaining access to innovative surgical options that were once available only at a limited number of centres. This expansion reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering leading-edge cancer care within the communities it serves. 

“Building a robotic surgery program requires thoughtful planning – from preparing operating rooms and establishing clinical pathways to ensuring teams have the training and support to use the technology effectively,” says Jhanvi Solanki, Vice President of Clinical Programs. “That foundation positions us to grow the program responsibly and introduce new surgical capabilities as patient needs evolve.” 

Milestones in Surgical Innovation 

Since 2009, Hennick Humber Hospital has advanced robotic-assisted surgery, achieving important milestones that demonstrate its leadership in cancer care. 

In May 2023, surgeons performed the hospital’s first robotic-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of complex gastrointestinal cancers. 

The hospital also completed Toronto’s first fully robotic bladder cancer surgery, further expanding the role of robotics in urologic oncology and providing patients with access to highly specialized surgical care closer to home. 

In 2026, Hennick Humber Hospital completed Ontario’s first robotic adrenalectomy, advancing minimally invasive adrenal surgery in the province. 

Additionally, the continued expansion of robotics in complex rectal cancer surgery is helping surgeons tackle challenging cases with enhanced precision while supporting improved patient outcomes. 

These achievements reflect a broader commitment to advancing surgical innovation and ensuring patients have access to some of the most sophisticated treatment options available. 

A Team Effort 

While robotic technology plays an important role in modern surgery, successful outcomes are driven by the expertise and collaboration of the people behind the technology. 

Every robotic-assisted procedure at Hennick Humber Hospital relies on a highly coordinated team that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, surgical assistants, medical device reprocessing professionals and many other dedicated healthcare providers. Together, they ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care throughout their surgical journey. 

Their collective expertise enables the hospital to continue expanding its robotic surgery program while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, clinical excellence and compassionate care. 

Looking Ahead 

As demand for minimally invasive cancer surgery continues to grow, Hennick Humber Hospital remains focused on expanding access to robotic-assisted procedures and advancing surgical innovation. 

By combining cutting-edge technology with clinical expertise, the hospital is helping redefine what is possible in cancer surgery. For patients, that means greater precision, faster recovery and access to world-class care close to home. For the healthcare system, it means improved efficiency, preserved capacity and continued progress toward better outcomes for all. 

At Hennick Humber Hospital, robotic-assisted surgery is part of a broader vision to transform cancer care, improve the lives of our patients, and deliver Tomorrow’s Healthcare, Today.