{"id":900634,"date":"2026-09-18T16:20:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T16:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/900634\/"},"modified":"2026-09-18T16:20:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T16:20:12","slug":"robotic-assisted-surgery-now-an-option-for-patients-at-red-deer-hospital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/900634\/","title":{"rendered":"Robotic-assisted surgery now an option for patients at Red Deer hospital"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A robotic-assisted surgery system is now being used for patient procedures at the hospital in Red Deer, Alta., and surgeons who have used it say it\u2019s improving patient outcomes.<\/p>\n

The technology now being used at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre has already been in use in other parts of the province.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The da Vinci Xi surgical system came to the hospital on May 11. So far, Alberta Health Services (AHS) says it\u2019s been used for 81 kidney, bladder and prostate cancer surgeries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To date, four surgeons have used this technology at the Red Deer hospital, including urologist Dr. Stephanus Van Zyl.<\/p>\n

Four months into using the new system, he said patients have experienced faster recovery and less pain as well as better surgeries and long-term outcomes.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatients can return home and [return] to work quicker, [with] less blood loss and better outcomes,\u201d Van Zyl said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMore surgeons will start getting on this system as soon as they’re done with their training.\u201d<\/p>\n

Benefits beyond surgery<\/p>\n

The system sees the robotic-assisted surgery equipment be used by one surgeon while another surgeon stands by the patient, Van Zyl said. He said the equipment \u201chelps with very excellent precision.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s a lot of pedals, there’s a lot of clutches, there’s different arms and the clutches move every arm,\u201d Van Zyl explained. \u201cThe screen is a 3D-enhanced high-def screen.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said a previously used method of surgery prevented rotation, and the new system helps provide a complete range of motion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s like having your hands, wrists in there,\u201d Van Zyl said. \u201cSo that helps with dissecting around very dangerous areas or getting better dissection of the tumour, whatever organ you want to remove. Suturing is much easier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AThe machine used for robotic-assisted surgery in Red Deer, Alta., has multiple robotic arms, controlled by the surgeon. (Alberta Health Services)<\/p>\n

Van Zyl said in the past, some patients would choose to be referred to Edmonton or Calgary so they could have robotic-assisted procedures. He said he anticipates the robotic-assisted technology will see more patients coming to Red Deer\u2019s hospital for procedures.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cNow patients [from the Red Deer area] can definitely stay close at home and close to family,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Van Zyl added that the new technology has benefits for surgeons themselves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cYou put your head into a console and sit down,\u201d he explained. \u201cYou can kick your shoes out. So that’s more comfortable for the surgeon.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of people don’t mention it, but the ergonomics for us as surgeons is actually a big thing. It will extend my surgical life, maybe by five years. Otherwise, we get all cranked up with arthritis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Van Zyl noted robotic-assisted surgery has been used in Canada for over two decades, and even longer in the United States.<\/p>\n

\"ADr. Stephanus Van Zyl poses for a portrait in the OR with the da Vinci robotic surgical assist system at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. (Alberta Health Services)<\/p>\n

Manon Therrieault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, said she believes having this technology won\u2019t just provide benefits in terms of how surgeries are performed, but also in terms of the recruitment and retention of doctors.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait times was one of [the reasons this was implemented], but also knowing that this is a really cool, really innovative tool that physicians have been trained on, and they go where the equipment is,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

CBC News asked Acute Care Alberta (ACA) if surgeons were paid to complete training on the system, and if their salaries would increase if they provide this type of surgery.<\/p>\n

\u201cSurgeons using the robotic-assisted system must complete specialized training and meet established competency requirements before performing procedures independently,\u201d the ACA said in a statement it issued in response.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs with other areas of medical practice, physicians are responsible for maintaining the education, training and professional development required to support their practice and deliver safe, high-quality care.<\/p>\n

\u201cSurgeons performing robotic-assisted procedures are compensated through existing physician compensation agreements. The use of robotic-assisted technology does not change the existing physician compensation model.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"FeetDr. Stephanus Van Zyl in surgery with the da Vinci robotic surgical assist system at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. (Alberta Health Services)<\/p>\n

AHS said the acquisition of the da Vinci system in Red Deer came about through a $3.5-million donation from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. Therriault said that contribution was primarily funded by \u201csignificantly-sized donations\u201d from about eight to 10 donors.<\/p>\n

When asked about the costs of implementing the system in Red Deer, the ACA told CBC News that \u201congoing operational requirements associated with the robotic-assisted surgery program are incorporated into the broader planning and delivery of surgical services.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe program is one component of ACA’s ongoing efforts to support high-quality surgical care and improve access to advanced surgical procedures closer to home.\u201d<\/p>\n

To date, there have been over 16,000 robotic-assisted surgeries in the province.<\/p>\n

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