New robotic-assisted surgical technology helps patients recover faster while staying close to home
May 21, 2026 (Halton Region, ON) – A lifelong Milton resident, Spencer Deumer was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025 and underwent surgery at Milton District Hospital using the da Vinci Surgical System, a minimally invasive technology that is transforming how care is delivered across Halton Healthcare.
“I couldn't see it going any better,” he says. “There was no pain from the incisions. There was nothing- I almost wondered if they actually did it.”
Spencer was up and moving the same day and discharged early the next morning. Within weeks, he returned to his normal daily activities.
For him, being able to receive this level of care in the same community he has called home his entire life made a meaningful difference.
The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision using a minimally invasive approach. For patients, this can mean shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and a quicker return to everyday life.
Halton Healthcare currently uses the system for prostate and colorectal surgeries, with plans to expand to additional procedures in the future.
“This system has evolved over time and what it allows us to do is perform surgery in a more precise laparoscopic fashion compared to conventional methods,” says Dr. Kevin Kwan, Interim Program Medical Director, Perioperative Surgical Services at Halton Healthcare.
With this technology now available locally, more patients can access advanced surgical care without needing to travel to larger centres.
“Previously, a lot of patients that would benefit from this technology would be referred to specialized care centers, which is no longer the case,” says Dr. Kwan. “It allows us to provide this exceptional care close to home.”
This milestone was made possible by the generosity of donors to the Milton District Hospital Foundation. Their support fully funded the surgical robot through philanthropy, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing local healthcare.
“This is what it means to bring care closer to home,” says Cheryl Williams, Executive Vice President, Clinical Operations, and Chief Nursing Executive. “It’s about ensuring patients can receive advanced surgical care supported by one coordinated team - for the people who live, work and raise their families here.”
The introduction of the da Vinci system marks an important step forward for Halton Healthcare’s surgical program and a continued commitment to delivering innovative, patient-centred care close to home.
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