As a Colorectal Surgeon, I have spent my career focused on one goal: achieving the best possible outcome for every patient who places their trust in our team. Today, because of robotic-assisted surgery—and the generosity of donors who are making this technology possible—we can offer a level of precision, access, and collaboration in Victoria that would have been difficult to imagine only a few years ago.
I can honestly say it has changed the way I practice. It has expanded what is possible for my patients and given me and my colleagues the ability to tackle increasingly complex cases with greater confidence and precision. When I step into the operating room, I know I can offer my patients technology that is transforming outcomes and helping to keep advanced surgical care close to home. As surgeons, there is no greater privilege than helping someone through one of the most difficult moments of their life. Without a doubt, donors are helping us provide the kind of care we would want for our own families.
That support has never been more important. Cancer rates continue to rise. I see this reality every day in patients diagnosed with colon and rectal cancers. We are treating diseases in anatomically challenging areas where precision matters immensely. Robotic technology is helping us meet that challenge. It allows us to operate with enhanced visualization, greater dexterity, and extraordinary precision, particularly in confined spaces such as the pelvis. When facing a cancer diagnosis, every advantage matters, and robotic-assisted surgery is giving both surgeons and patients advantages we simply did not have before.
One patient who illustrates this is Roland, whose cancer affected the rectum, bladder, and prostate. Historically, a case of this complexity would have required extensive open surgery with large incisions and lengthy recovery. Instead, with robotic technology, my colleague, Urologist Dr. Michael Metcalfe, and I were able to perform a single coordinated, minimally invasive procedure through small incisions. This allowed Roland to have a much quicker and smoother recovery.
Working together—taking turns at the robotic console—we addressed multiple cancer sites during the same operation, each bringing our specialized expertise to the areas where it was needed most for the best possible outcome. We had anticipated the procedure would last a long time due to the complexity of the case. We completed the operation 3 hours ahead of schedule thanks to the exceptional visualization, precision, and efficiency the robotic platform provided for both surgeons.
To me, Roland’s story represents the future of surgery on the Island. Today, my colleagues and I are collaborating in novel ways to treat the most complex cancers with robotics. We are already performing procedures that were, until recently, unavailable on Vancouver Island and pioneering first-of-their-kind operations in Western Canada, and beyond.
When I sit across from a patient facing a cancer diagnosis, I want absolute confidence that I can offer the very best care available. Because of donor support, I can do that. I am so proud to be part of this community.
