“If the da Vinci Xi didn’t exist, I would still be suffering. I think every hysterectomy should be performed using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot!,” says Priya.

For years, Priya had been struggling with severe abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain due to adenomyosis and fibroids. The persistence of the bleeding had raised her gynecologist’s concern about uterine cancer. After trying various treatments, including medications and a uterine ablation, she finally decided to pursue a hysterectomy in 2023.

During Priya’s operation, the surgeons discovered extensive pelvic scarring, making it too risky to proceed. The pelvic adhesions had caused major organs to be stuck together. As a result, they had to halt the procedure without completing it. Due to the nature of the procedure, this led to months of painful recovery. Priya had to recover from major abdominal surgery, and the existing uterine abnormalities continued to persist.

Feeling discouraged but determined to find a solution, Priya was referred to Dr. André LaRoche at Humber River Health. Dr. LaRoche specializes in complex gynecological surgeries using the da Vinci Xi robotic system. During their consultation, he took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure and address all of Priya’s concerns.

“I absolutely adored him,” Priya recalls. “I felt so reassured and confident in what he was presenting to me. He’s incredibly kind, patient, and attentive. He really listens carefully to people’s questions and takes his time answering so that you’re not left worried about anything.”

In May 2024, Priya underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomy surgery at Humber using the da Vinci Xi robot. The procedure took nearly four hours due to the extensive adhesions, but was ultimately successful. Dr. LaRoche was able to safely remove Priya’s uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and one ovary that was severely compromised.

Compared to her previous abdominal surgery, Priya found her recovery from the robotic procedure to be much smoother. While the first few weeks were challenging, she noticed a dramatic improvement in her mobility and energy levels much sooner than expected.

“My recovery last year was so much more difficult. It took me about four months to feel somewhat normal again,” Priya explained. “This time around, although the first few weeks were hard, it’s like someone pressed a button and it switched. Because it’s less invasive, I felt I was able to get back on my feet much quicker.”

Thankfully, Priya’s pathology reports had shown no signs of cancer.

Now only a few months post-surgery, Priya is doing well and grateful for the care she received. “I can’t thank Dr. LaRoche and the team at Humber enough,” she says. “If the da Vinci Xi didn’t exist, I would still be suffering. I think every hysterectomy should be performed using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot!”

Priya’s experience highlights the life-changing impact of advanced surgical technologies like the da Vinci Xi robotic system. For complex cases like hers, robotic surgery can offer improved precision and faster recovery times compared to traditional methods.

“Dr. LaRoche explained to me that because of the robotic arm, it can do what the human eyes and human hands cannot do,” says Priya. “It can turn 360 degrees with such precision. I feel that in terms of people’s recovery time and how soon they’re able to get back up on their feet, it’s remarkable.”

Priya’s story also underscores the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. From her pre-op appointment through to discharge, she felt supported by the attentive and caring staff at Humber. “Thank you to everyone who supported me at Humber, from my pre-op appointment to the day of the surgery to discharge. Everybody was incredibly attentive and really caring,” says Priya. “There was incredible kindness and genuine caring. It put me at ease as a patient.”

Thanks to the skill of her surgical team and the advanced da Vinci Xi robotic technology available at Humber River Health, Priya is looking forward to improved quality of life without the constant worry of cancer and her previous uterine abnormalities.

“I feel really great now,” says Priya. “I’m happy that all of this is behind me. It’s been life-changing!”

Priya’s journey is just one example of how innovative medical technologies, combined with exceptional care, can transform patients’ lives.

*Names and photos have been changed for the comfort of patients and their families.

Expanding Robotic Surgery: da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot

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 Caterina Magisano at cmagisano@hrh.ca