The purchase of the 4th Generation da Vinci SI robot, which reinforces the CHUM’s position as a leader in healthcare services in Canada and internationally, was made possible by the hard work of Dr. Diane Provencher, Gynaecologic Oncologist and Researcher in Clinical Research, Dr. Fred Saad, Head of Urology Services and Medical Director of the Interdisciplinary Group in Urologic Oncology at the CHUM, and from successful collaboration with the Fondation.

Primarily used in cases of prostate cancer in urological oncology and in cases of uterine cancer in gynaecologic oncology, this robot allows for minimally invasive, ultra-precise laparoscopic surgery. The benefits for patients include small incisions instead of large scars, significant reduction in postoperative pain, reduced blood loss, less blood transfusions and shorter hospital stays (often less than 24h).

“After meeting with Dr. Kevin Zorn in Montreal, my decision was clear: I wanted a robotic surgery performed by an experienced surgeon.”

Alain Mailloux, diagnosed with prostate cancer at 42 years of age, one of the CHUM’s first patients to be operated with the da Vinci robot.

“Operating with the da Vinci robot is like having five tiny hands, a magnified vision, and an ability to operate in critical but difficult to access areas. The operative field is more accessible, and in the end the patient is a winner. Patients are completely independent on the evening following their surgery, and 93% of them go home the very next day!”

Dr. Kevin Zorn, Urologist and Head of Robotic Surgery

The C-Arm imaging system is used during surgical procedures, particularly those involving cardiac, vascular, neurological and orthopaedic concerns. This C-shaped device, which allows for a wide flexibility in positioning, magnifies the image and requires an inferioir amount of X-rays than more traditional equipment. Patients and doctors of the CHUM are therefore exposed to less of these useful but potentially harmful rays.

In 2011, the CHUM became the first facility in Canada to use GreenLight XPS 180 W laser technology. This device treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with minimally invasive surgery. The benefits for patients are numerable. They include faster recovery, reduced postoperative complications and decreased inflammation and oedema.

In February of the same year, 84 year old Mr. François Brault,, became the first patient to undergo an operation for BPH using this technology, performed by Dr. Kevin Zorn, Urologist and Head of Robotic Surgery at the CHUM.

“The operation went smoothly and I am very happy to have returned home so quickly and without a urinary catheter.”

François Brault, first patient to be operated using GreenLight technology at the CHUM.

The CHUM was the first hospital in Montreal to equip itself with a PET camera, a medical imaging system used for nuclear medicine. Thanks to a special fundraising campaign conducted by the Fondation, the CHUM benefits from this specialized equipment, which allows for earlier detection of tumours and better monitoring of patient treatments in oncology, cardiology and neurology.

“Technology progresses with giant steps, but the acquisition of new equipment happens at a turtle’s pace. Without the generosity of donors, hospitals would lack many things.”

Marlène Boudreau, one of the CHUM’s first patients to benefit from the PET camera.

The Fondation contributed toward the purchase of a magnetic resonance imaging system, which allows us to observe tissues and internal organs without emitting radiation.

This device, used to identify heart problems or to dilate blood vessels, is useful for treating heart attacks, especially in emergency situations.

The CHUM treats 75% of all patients who need an ultrasonography in gastroenterology in Quebec. The Pentax Camera provides high-resolution images of tumours, cysts or other abnormalities affecting the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, biliary tract or colon, allowing for early diagnosis and effective intervention.

“The CHUM can now proudly declare that it offers the best ultrasonography services in the world. Since the acquisition of our new machinery, we have the capacity to treat over 75% of ultrasonography patients in Quebec. This means that, for example, we can provide earlier detection for colon cancer or pancreatic cysts and that we can treat them more efficiently.”

Dr. Anand Sahai, Head of Gastroenterology Services

The CHUM is the only hospital in the world to benefit from the advantages of this type of CT scanner in radiation oncology. This scanner is faster and offers more accurate and better quality results. Since the scanner combines the effectiveness of two appliances in one, thanks to its dual energy principle, it is highly productive, uses less radiation and provides better access to treatment.

“It is important for oncologists and their teams to see that donors share our desire to provide high quality care. The CT-Scan and MRI will allow us not only to improve care, but even to develop research.”

Dr. David Roberge, head of the Département de radio-oncologie

Photo Credit : Productions multimédia – CHUM