, Humber’s Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, understands this need on a personal level. As a child, he watched his mother endure a long and difficult recovery following her hysterectomy. “I visited her every day for a week, then helped my dad with her care at home while she recovered. Many of our patients carry similar memories when facing their own surgery,” says Dr. LaRoche.

The urgency to expand gynaecological care has never been greater. The Hologic Global Women’s Health Index—based on responses from 78,000 women worldwide—reveals alarming declines in key health outcomes.

“Over the last four years, women have experienced losses within all five dimensions of health that were assessed, including preventative care, emotional health, individual health, basic needs and opinions on health and safety,” says Dr. LaRoche. “This shows the importance of ongoing advocacy and funding for women’s health at all levels.”

In the face of these challenges, Dr. LaRoche and his team are leading a transformative shift in care by bringing robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery with the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot.

“We made our case and explained how access to this technology could dramatically improve outcomes for our patients,” shares Dr. LaRoche. After securing approval, Dr. LaRoche trained with Intuitive, the makers of the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot.

Dr. André LaRoche, Dr. Grace Yeung, and Dr. Lesley Hawkins with the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot

Dr. LaRoche’s gynaecological care team has now expanded to include four OBGYNs who are all fully trained on the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot.

“We’re providing University-level care right here in our community,” says Dr. LaRoche, referring to the renowned downtown hospitals on University Avenue. “We are increasing access to quality surgical care for our Northwest Toronto patient population.”

While government funding partially covers the cost of robotic hysterectomies, other critical gynaecological procedures like fibroid removal and endometriosis treatment remain entirely donor dependent. This funding gap disproportionately affects vulnerable patients.

“These are often women who’ve been repeatedly denied care elsewhere due to BMI or complex conditions,” explains Dr. LaRoche. “The robot’s precision allows us to say ‘yes’ when others can’t—it reduces surgical risks and opens doors to treatment.”

The difference comes down to positioning. Traditional surgery requires steep tilting that stresses the lungs, while robotic arms let the surgeons operate with minimal repositioning, which is life-changing for high-risk patients.

The benefits of robotic surgery go beyond individual patients. Shorter recoveries free up beds and OR capacity. “Patients often go home the same day,” says Dr. LaRoche. “That means fewer bottlenecks and more space for patients who need extended acute care.”

At Humber, we believe healthcare should have no boundaries. With donor support, we can continue to expand our robotic surgical program, reduce waitlists for life-changing fibroid and endometriosis care, and have additional surgeons trained in this transformative technology. Help us ensure healthcare lives at Humber—for everybody, every story, every patient who’s ever been told “no.”

Expanding Robotic Surgery: da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot

������� 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.

The post Advancing Gynaecological Care with Robotic Innovation with Dr. André LaRoche appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“Our orthopedic surgeons have shown how effective this model is—overlapping surgeries where a team is setting up one room while the surgeon is operating in another, minimizing downtime. With similar resources, we could achieve the same efficiency in gynaecological care.” Dr. Lesley Hawkins, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, �������

In the bustling corridors of �������’s , a team of OBGYNs are revolutionizing gynaecological care through robotic surgery. Driven by a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to health equity, they are harnessing cutting-edge technology, such as the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot, to broaden their range of gynaecological procedures and offer life-changing care to even more patients across the Greater Toronto Area.������

Dr. Lesley Hawkins, one of four gynaecologic surgeons trained in robotic techniques, shared how this innovative technology has been a game-changer for gynaecological procedures. “Robotic surgery allows us to perform complex procedures in a minimally invasive way,” explains Dr. Hawkins. “The da Vinci Xi has a full moveable wrist, and as the surgeon, we sit in a console that gives us a 3D view of the patient with a highly advanced camera system. This allows us to use our own hands on the controls to move the instruments, just as we would if we were in the abdomen with an open incision.” ����

Patients with conditions like uterine pre-cancer and uterine cancer, fibroids, and endometriosis can now undergo surgery with less pain, reduced risk, and a quicker return to their daily lives. “We use the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot to perform minimally invasive procedures to the patient’s abdomen, allowing us to conduct very complex surgeries without having to open up the patient,” explains Dr. Hawkins. “This technology, paired with the skills in our group, can offer our patients better outcomes and faster recovery”. ����

But Dr. Hawkins’ work goes beyond the operating room. She and the team at Humber are tackling systemic inequities in gynaecological care, ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need. One of the many ways we are able to do so is by providing gynaecological robotic procedures to our bariatric patients. ��

“Robotic surgery enabled us to offer gynaecological procedures to patients with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) who might otherwise have limited options—either open surgery or no surgery at all,” says Dr. Hawkins. “This is one of the key patient groups we’re able to serve effectively thanks to robotic surgery.” ��

Despite these advancements, the team faces significant barriers, including limited access to the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot. “We share the da Vinci Xi with several different specialties, so it is only available to our department one day per week,” says Dr. Hawkins. “That does limit the number of cases that we can do.” ��

It’s not just the limited quantity of surgical robots, but there is also a need for specialized staff to properly prepare and operate the robotic system. “We have a subset of our amazing team who are trained specifically for robotic surgery,” says Dr. Hawkins. “After each surgery, the room is thoroughly sanitized by our amazing cleaning team, and then the room is expertly set up for the next procedure by the robotic nursing team. That set up takes quite a lot of time.”��

Donor funding can significantly impact the number of gynaecological procedures completed in one day. “If we had two da Vinci Xi Surgical Robots and extra team members to prep one OR while surgeries are happening in another, we could double the number of procedures we do each day,” says Dr. Hawkins. “Our orthopedic surgeons have shown how effective this model is—overlapping surgeries where a team is setting up one room while the surgeon is operating in another, minimizing downtime. With similar resources, we could achieve the same efficiency in gynaecological care.”

The transformational work put forth by Humber’s gynaecological surgical team showcases the power of innovation and compassion in healthcare. “We’re making incredible strides,” says Dr. Hawkins. “But there’s so much more we can do. With donor support, we can continue to innovate and improve the lives of patients across our region.”��

Expanding Robotic Surgery: da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot

������� 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

The post Transforming Gynaecological Healthcare with Dr. Lesley Hawkins appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“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 �������. Dr. LaRoche specializes in complex gynecological surgeries using the 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 �������, 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

������� 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

The post Beyond Human Hands: Priya’s Life-Changing Experience with the da Vinci Xi appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“The Acessa ProVu is part of the technology that helps guide us and makes sure we are able to view, identify and specifically target uterine fibroids in a safe manner,” explains Dr. LaRoche. “It is one more way that Humber is delivering innovative, safe and compassionate healthcare.”

Humber River Hospital has launched the use of the Acessa ProVu® system – a thorough and minimally invasive new way to treat uterine fibroids. Humber is now the second hospital in Canada (and the first in Ontario!) to offer this procedure to our patients.

Fibroids are one of the most common benign tumours, affecting up to 70 per cent of women during their reproductive years. Although most patients with fibroids are asymptomatic, about 30 per cent experience uncomfortable symptoms including abnormal menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, urinary problems, difficulty getting pregnant, and issues during pregnancy,

In the past, the most common approaches to treating patients with severe symptoms has been surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) or of the fibroids (myomectomy).

Acessa allows physicians to treat fibroids without incision or cutting of the uterus. It also preserves more healthy uterine tissue by delivering heat (radiofrequency) directly into each fibroid to destroy the proteins of the fibroid tissue. The remaining small fragments are reabsorbed by the surrounding normal tissue, and the treated tissue softens and shrinks over time.

As the procedure is minimally invasive and recovery pain is typically mild, narcotics are rarely used post-operatively and patients are able to return to normal function quickly, with less scarring than traditional procedures.

Humber’s Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Andre LaRoche, performed the first procedure in Ontario.

“The Acessa ProVu is part of the technology that helps guide us and makes sure we are able to view, identify and specifically target uterine fibroids in a safe manner,” explains Dr. LaRoche. “Humber is always looking to deliver innovative healthcare and be the frontrunner in advancing technology and services for our patients. When the Acessa ProVu system became available in Canada, we were quick to jump at the opportunity of being one of the first to offer this in the country.”

Acessa allows physicians to treat fibroids without incision or cutting of the uterus. It also preserves more healthy uterine tissue by delivering heat (radiofrequency) directly into each fibroid to destroy the proteins of the fibroid tissue.

The first few cases in Canada were performed in Regina, Saskatchewan in September 2022 then executed at Humber a couple of days later. Dr. Bruce B. Lee, the inventor of the Acessa ProVu® joined Dr. LaRoche in the operating room during the first two days of cases at Humber.

“The first couple of cases went very well. Dr. Lee is an amazing mentor; it was perfect having him there to ensure that we were on track. He pushed me to find every fibroid we could,” says Dr. LaRoche.

“Many of our patients cannot afford to take six to eight weeks off work and need to get back to work more quickly,” says Dr. LaRoche. “This is an amazing way to introduce the technology to Canadians that need it and help them get back to their lives and their families. It is one more way that Humber is delivering innovative, safe and compassionate healthcare.”

Dr. LaRoche will be training other surgeons at Humber to perform the Acessa ProVu® procedure so that they can become experts. Eventually, Dr. LaRoche’s goal is for Humber to become a training centre for other hospitals to learn the technology too.

You can find the official press release written about Humber’s launch of the Acessa ProVu® system .

If you would like to learn more about supporting innovative Women’s Health programs at Humber please contact:

Saneh Singh
Senior Development Officer, Annual
416-242-1000 ext. 81517
sansingh@hrh.ca

The post HRH Launches New Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment Acessa ProVu® appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.