Hip replacement surgery can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but Dana knew it was necessary. Two long years of chronic pain and severely limited mobility had stripped away simple freedoms she’d once enjoyed, including walking effortlessly, navigating stairs, and even comfortably boarding a bus.

Orthopaedic Surgeon & Co-Chair of HRH’s Robotics Program, Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizade, performing the first robot-assisted hip surgery using the MAKO Robotic System.

Dana’s outlook changed dramatically, thanks to the expertise of her surgeon Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizade and the MAKO Robotic System (MAKO), the newest addition to Humber River Health’s (Humber) suite of robotic surgical tools.

Dana was the first patient in the GTA to undergo hip replacement surgery with the MAKO and was shocked by how she felt post-surgery. “The moment that stood out was that, even the day of the surgery, I was encouraged to walk,” says Dana. “Honestly, that’s not what I expected.”

Dana had mentally prepared herself for significant discomfort and a challenging recovery, but those fears never manifested. ” Considering I had psyched myself up for severe pain, that pain level simply didn’t materialize,” Dana shares. ” I had experienced chronic pain before, and this was nothing like that.”

The MAKO’s minimally invasive approach features smaller incisions and precise movements, drastically reducing postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery.

Yet, Dana’s experience at Humber went beyond physical healing. “The whole hospital is amazing,” she notes. “Everything is digital and streamlined, from appointment reminders to aftercare arrangements. It took away a lot of stress during my recovery because everything was so organized.”

Even Dana’s husband, Bob, benefited from the hospital’s transparent digital system, receiving real-time updates during her surgery. “He knew exactly when I went into surgery, when I was in recovery, and when he could come see me,” Dana recalls. “It eased both our anxieties significantly.”

Looking to the future, Dana is excited to enjoy the simple things in life, like spending time with her grandchildren. “Before surgery, keeping up with them was challenging. Now I’m excited to enjoy walks and be active with them again.”

Dana attributes much of her positive experience to the compassionate and professional care she received from the entire Humber River Health team. “Everyone introduced themselves personally, which put me at ease,” Dana shares. “Knowing exactly who was caring for me gave me an extra sense of security. You just know you’re in good hands,”

Less than a month post-surgery, Dana confidently moves through her daily routines unaided. Her walker is a distant memory, occasionally replaced by a cane that she often forgets altogether. Reflecting on her recovery, Dana emphasizes, “Robotic surgery isn’t just a medical advancement, it’s genuinely life changing.”

Looking to the future, Dana is excited to enjoy the simple things in life. “I have four grandkids, aged seven, five, three, and one,” she shares. “Before surgery, keeping up with them was challenging. Now I’m excited to enjoy walks and be active with them again.”

Procedures using the MAKO are 100% donor funded and are expected to increase Humber’s same-day discharge rate for hip and knee surgeries from 87% to 90%, freeing up two additional inpatient surgical beds each day.

Dana emphasizes the importance of ongoing donor support. “If you’re able to help someone, this technology is an incredible way to do it,” she says. ” You’re giving people a sense of mobility. Instead of relying on others, you’re able to rely on yourself again, which is very motivating. ”

Expanding Robotics: The MAKO Robotic System

Humber River Health is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our Robotic Surgery Program can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Daniela Campoli at dcampoli@hrh.ca