Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) is coming to KGH this year. (submitted photo/Interior Health)

By Vernon Matters Staff

hi-tech

Robotic surgery coming to KGH: video

Apr 15, 2025 | 3:00 PM

It’s a first for Kelowna General Hospital: leading-edge Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) is coming to patients across Interior Health.

The $12 million investment in the technology will provide three-dimensional (3D) visualization and enhanced range of motion and control for surgeons.

It’ll be used for more complex urology, colorectal, and thoracic surgeries at KGH, reducing complications, pain and blood loss.

The robotics are expected to go live late this year.

The KGH Foundation has committed to fundraise $6 million.

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Robotic assisted surgery allows surgeons to be even more precise. (submitted photo/Interior Health)

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter of innovation at Interior Health, and a bold step forward into the future for the communities we passionately serve across B.C.’s interior,” said Susan Brown, Interior Health President and CEO, said in a media release.

In their own statement, KGH Foundation said it was time to bring this level of surgical excellence to the hospital.

‘“The best hospitals, and best surgeons, around the world embrace robotic assisted technology because of its significant benefits for patient care,” Allison Young, CEO of the KGH Foundation, said.

Currently in British Columbia, Robotic Assisted Surgical programs are only available at hospitals located in the Lower Mainland and only recently, in Victoria. Compared to provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, B.C. lags behind in the acquisition of this state-of-the-art surgical technology, she said.

“Bringing robotic-assisted surgery to KGH will be a monumental step forward for our community,” said Dr. Maurice Blitz, chief of surgery and thoracic surgeon at KGH.

Dr. Maurice Blitz is the Chief of Surgery and Thoracic Surgeon at KGH/Interior Health

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact of this technology in leading hospitals across North America, and I’ve dreamed of the day we could bring it here. With the support of our community, we will soon be able to provide the very best possible outcomes for our patients—right here at home.”

The benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) are many:

For Patients:

Smaller incisions and less scarring

Less pain and reduced opioid use

Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery

Lower risk of infection and complications

Reduced blood loss and fewer transfusions

Better outcomes in delicate procedures (urology, gynecology, colorectal, thoracic)

For Surgeons:

Greater dexterity and control

Enhanced 3D high-definition vision

Minimized surgeon fatigue