Robotic surgery program continues to expand at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital

Growing program enables surgical teams to perform increasingly complex procedures through a minimally invasive approach

(MONCTON) – Patients at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital (TMH) are benefiting from an expanding robotic surgery program that enables surgical teams to perform increasingly complex procedures through a minimally invasive approach, helping reduce hospital stays while supporting a faster recovery.

Since launching in January 2025, the robotic surgery program at TMH has expanded to include multiple specialties, such as urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, a specialty focused on conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. To date, surgical teams at TMH have completed more than 300 robotic-assisted procedures.

The program has achieved several milestones, including the completion of Atlantic Canada’s first robotic Whipple procedure, one of the most complex abdominal surgeries used to treat cancers and other conditions affecting the pancreas and bile ducts. The procedure involves removing the head of the pancreas, along with portions of the small intestine, bile duct and, in some cases, the stomach, before reconstructing multiple connections to restore digestive function.

TMH was also among the first hospitals in Atlantic Canada to perform robotic HPB-related procedures, alongside Vitalité Health Network’s Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton.

“Completing a robotic Whipple procedure was an important milestone for our team and a reflection of how much the robotic surgery program has evolved,” said Bernice Batson, Clinical Director of Surgery at TMH. “As the program continues to grow, we’re able to offer more patients access to advanced surgical care closer to home.”

Many of the procedures now being performed robotically at TMH were traditionally completed through open surgery, which requires a large incision and can result in longer hospital stays and recovery times. Using a robotic-assisted approach, surgeons operate through several small incisions, reducing the physical impact of surgery and helping many patients return home and resume normal activities sooner.

For surgeons, the robotic platform provides a high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical field and instruments with a greater range of motion than the human wrist. These features can enhance precision and control, particularly during complex procedures that require delicate dissections and intricate reconstruction.

“While the technology plays an important role, the success of the program ultimately comes down to the people behind it,” said Dr. Jenny Lim, an HPB surgeon involved in the program. “The dedication of our surgeons, nurses, and operating room teams has allowed us to continue expanding the range of procedures we can offer and bring advanced surgical care closer to home.”

While the robotic platform has expanded the range of procedures that can be performed using a minimally invasive approach, it is not appropriate for every patient or every operation. Certain cases continue to benefit from traditional open surgery, particularly when patients have large or advanced cancers, or when significant bleeding is anticipated. In these situations, surgeons may need to use their hands directly or assess tissues through touch during the procedure.

“The technology doesn’t replace surgical expertise, but it can enhance what surgeons can accomplish in certain procedures,” said Dr. Sean Comstock, Physician Program Lead for Horizon’s Surgery program. “When combined with a skilled operating room team, it allows us to approach some operations in ways that were not previously possible through minimally invasive surgery.”

“The continued growth of the robotic surgery program is an important example of how Horizon is advancing specialized care for patients across New Brunswick,” said Greg Doiron, Horizon’s Vice President of Clinical Operations. “Investments in technology, training, and our people are helping ensure patients have access to high-quality, advanced care closer to home.”

This work supports Horizon’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan commitment to excellence in hospital care by transforming the delivery of clinical care to meet evolving health care needs.

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