In Canada, access to life-changing surgical care should be universal. Yet for women with complex gynaecological conditions, geography and circumstance still create significant barriers. At Humber River Health (Humber), we’re working to change that reality through robotic surgery, offering hope to patients with fibroids, endometriosis, and other high-risk cases who have historically faced limited options.

Dr. André LaRoche, 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

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.