David’s journey began when he noticed blood in his urine.

“I would rate my experience a 10 out of 10!” says David. “The teamwork, expertise, and state-of-the-art technology made all the difference in my time at Humber!”

Concerned about his health, he turned to his family doctor for guidance. “My family doctor initiated the evaluation process, and I was initially referred to Dr. Young-Soo Peter Kong at Humber River Health.” says David.

After a thorough assessment, the diagnosis was confirmed – bladder cancer. It was a devastating revelation that required immediate action.

Dr. Kong introduced David to his colleague Dr. Kevin Leung, a Urologist at Humber who would play a crucial role in his cancer surgery.“Dr. Leung discussed the treatment plan, which involved the removal of the bladder, prostate, and lymph nodes.” says David. “What struck me was when he brought up robotic surgery with the da Vinci Xi system, emphasizing the quicker recovery rates.”

The da Vinci Surgical Robot, which is the centerpiece of the Murphy and Helen Hull Robotics Centre at Humber River Health, was recently upgraded to the newest Xi model thanks entirely to donor support. Without this upgrade, David’s fully robotic bladder cancer surgery – the first one in Toronto – would not have been possible.

“Operating entirely with the da Vinci Xi allowed me to perform David’s surgery in a much less invasive way compared to traditional bladder cancer surgeries,” says Dr. Leung. “This means less pain for our patients and a shorter recovery time.”

As surgery day approached, David described the exceptional care he received from the medical staff at Humber. “They looked after me quite well!” says David. “They were with me every step of the way, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed about the procedure.”

On the morning of the surgery, he met with Dr. Leung and the entire surgical team. They went over the procedure, easing any anxieties David might have had. Nine hours later, David was awake and on the path to recovery.

“Operating entirely with the da Vinci Xi allowed me to perform David’s surgery in a much less invasive way compared to traditional bladder cancer surgeries,” says Dr. Leung. “This means less pain for our patients and a shorter recovery time.”

David praises the attentive care he received during his hospital stay. “I felt well taken care of,” says David. “My team constantly monitored my condition, and the pain management was excellent.”

With minimal incisions and constant attention to his urinary system, medication needs, and bandages, David’s recovery was as smooth as it could be!

David’s exceptional journey has been marked by the dedication and care of countless medical professionals who have supported him from the moment of diagnosis through surgery and recovery.

Without upgrading to the da Vinci Xi model, David’s fully robotic bladder cancer surgery – the first one in Toronto – would not have been possible.

“I would rate my experience a 10 out of 10! The teamwork, expertise, and state-of-the-art technology made all the difference in my time at Humber!” says David.

Since, his surgery, David has been working with Humber Medical Oncologist Dr. Gautam Sudan, and according to testing, his cancer appears to be gone. However, for added protection, he is now undergoing amino-therapy, a measure he willingly embraces to safeguard his health.

“I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the staff for the exceptional care I received, starting way back when I began chemo.” says David. “Everyone was amazing throughout my journey from the start!”

The da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot is the centerpiece of the Murphy and Helen Hull Robotics Centre at Humber River Health. David’s surgery would not have been possible without the transformational generosity of our donors.

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