“I started to feel really uncomfortable, as if I had an infection or something at the bottom of my tummy,” remembers Salima. “That’s why I went to see my doctor.”

An ultrasound revealed that Salima had an enlarged kidney, so her Family Doctor referred her to Urologist Dr. Peter Kong at Humber River Hospital.

Dr. Kong ordered some more tests and discovered that Salima had a ureteral obstruction. Urine wasn’t leaving her kidney properly, which was why it was so enlarged and uncomfortable.

“Dr. Kong was very nice,” says Salima. “He explained everything to me and showed me the blockage on my tests.”

Salima needed a procedure to clear the blocked area, so Dr. Kong explained that he would use the da Vinci Surgical Robot in a procedure called a robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. The da Vinci would allow Dr. Kong to perform the procedure through tiny incisions with extra precision to reduce pain and improve Salima’s healing time.

“On the day of my procedure I knew I was in good hands,” says Salima. “Everyone made me feel comfortable.”

Salima was able to leave the Hospital the next day. A staff member took her down to the main floor and from there she walked to her son’s car waiting for her outside. She was delighted not to need a wheelchair.

“When I looked at where he had performed the surgery, I only had four small incisions,” says Salima. “It has already been a few months and everything looks good now. I feel much better. I would recommend Humber to anybody.”

Please note: Names have been changed for the comfort of Salima and her family.

The da Vinci Surgical Robot is the centerpiece of the Murphy and Helen Hull Robotics Centre at Humber River Hospital.  The Centre was established thanks to a transformational donation from the late Murphy and Helen Hull.