Surrey Memorial Hospital staff with the new da Vinci Xi. (Image Credit: Fraser Health / Provided)

By Alyssa Conti

Steel Precision

Surrey hospital welcomes new robotic surgical system, 2nd in Fraser Health region

Jan 31, 2026 | 12:39 PM

SURREY — Patients in the Fraser Health region may have more access to better surgical care with the arrival of a new robotic aide at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

The facility welcomed the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery system on January 6, enabling surgeons to use remote-controlled robotic arms to perform keyhole surgeries with greater precision.

“Patients may experience quicker recovery times, and we can carry out more complex procedures right here in Surrey, using minimally invasive techniques,” said Dr. Ahmad Ashrafi, regional division head and chief of thoracic surgery for Fraser Health. 

“This advanced technology will also help us attract and retain top surgical talent at Surrey Memorial Hospital.”

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) and surgeries within the chest to the stomach will be the first to benefit.

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Dr. Oleksandr (Alex) Butskiy, surgeon at Surrey Memorial, added that the tool will help remove tumours and treat cancers more effectively.

“For example, for hard-to-reach throat cancers, we often have to cut a patient’s jaw to remove the tumour. With da Vinci, we can do the surgery in a more minimally invasive way with the smallest incisions possible, leading to better recovery and fewer visible signs of surgery,” said Dr. Butskiy.

Patients previously referred out of Fraser Health will be able to receive care at Surrey Memorial Hospital. 

Surrey is the second Fraser Health care facility to receive the da Vinci system. Royal Columbian secured the first in fall 2025.