Advancing Cancer Surgery with Robotics for Better Patient Outcomes
Across Ontario, more people with cancer are benefiting from an innovative approach to surgery that can mean less pain, faster recovery and better outcomes.
Robotic-assisted surgery helps surgeons perform complex procedures with greater precision, improving patient experiences while supporting high quality cancer care.
How Robotic-Assisted Surgery Works
In robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon remains in full control, using a console to guide robotic instruments that translate their movements into smaller, more precise actions inside the patient’s body. The technology extends beyond the natural range of motion of the human hand, allowing surgeons to operate in tight or delicate areas with greater accuracy than traditional open or laparoscopic (camera-based) approaches. By improving precision and reducing physical strain, it allows complex procedures to be performed more effectively. In Ontario, it is commonly used in cancer surgeries across a range of cancer types.
Dr. Sunil Patel is a colorectal surgeon at Kingston Health Sciences Centre who uses robotic-assisted techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures, including surgeries for colorectal cancer.
Robotic surgery transforms the operating room by giving us a magnified 3D view with unmatched stability, enhancing precision and depth perception. It also allows me to function as a true ‘four handed’ surgeon – controlling three instruments and the camera simultaneously – which elevates both efficiency and surgical control for the benefit of my patients.”
surgeon at Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Benefits for Patients with Cancer
Robotic-assisted surgery has been used around the world for more than two decades, and evidence continues to show meaningful benefits, especially for certain cancer surgeries.
Patients who receive robotic-assisted prostate surgery often experience:
- fewer complications and repeat surgeries
- faster recovery times
- reduced need for pain medication
Less blood loss
Patients undergoing robotic surgery were about seven times less likely to need a blood transfusion. This translates to approximately 47 fewer transfusions per 1,000 patients treated with the robotic approach. Fewer transfusions are linked to lower risks, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
Shorter hospital stays
Patients undergoing robotic surgery had shorter hospital stays – from a median of two days to one (compared to open surgery). This saved 1,379 hospital days and about $4.1 million in health system costs from 2024 to 2025.
Lower risk of cancer being left behind
Robotic surgery is more precise, so cancer is less likely to be left behind. About 10% fewer patients have cancer remaining after surgery compared to open procedures, which may reduce the need for further treatment.
For some patients with cancer, robotic-assisted surgery can also help avoid additional treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.
Frances Wright, Provincial Head of the Surgical Oncology Program at Ontario Health, is helping lead the advancement of cancer surgery across the province, including the continued expansion of robotic surgery as part of Ontario’s broader surgical oncology strategy.
“For patients with prostate cancer in Ontario, robotic prostatectomy has become the standard of care,” said Wright. “The precision of robotic technology allows surgeons to perform highly effective cancer operations while reducing postoperative hospital stays – supporting quicker recoveries and better outcomes for patients.”
Expanding Access in Ontario
Ontario Health began funding robotic-assisted cancer surgeries in 2022, initially focusing on prostate, endometrial, and kidney cancers. Since then, the number of funded procedures for these cancers has increased by about 62 per cent. The program continues to expand, with more hospitals introducing robotic systems and additional cancer surgeries being added, including head and neck procedures.
Hospitals typically raise funds to purchase the robotic systems, while funding helps cover specialized equipment needed to provide robotic-assisted surgery. As more hospitals adopt the technology, access is improving for patients across the province.
Growing Demand for Modern Cancer Care
As awareness of robotics-assisted surgery grows, more patients are asking for this option, and in some cases, are willing to wait for it. Demand – particularly for prostate surgery –- is high, however, access is improving as more hospitals introduce robotic-assisted surgical programs and expand capacity. Ongoing monitoring is helping to inform future planning, ensuring programs can respond to growing demand and continue expanding access for patients across the province.
Robotic-assisted surgery is an important part of modern cancer care – just one of many innovations helping Ontarians on the cancer journey. For people facing a cancer diagnosis, it can mean safer procedures, faster recovery and better outcomes – making a meaningful difference. As evidence continues to grow and access expands across the province, this technology will play an increasingly important role in strengthening cancer care and improving the patient experience today and into the future.
Last Updated: June 04, 2026
