Currently, medical robotics plays a significant role in the surgical treatment of certain diseases such as prostate and abdominal cancers. Over the next ten years, robotics will play an increasing role in every aspect of surgery, significantly impacting the field of pediatric oncology.

Dr. James Drake explains that, in certain instances, using robotics produces better results that are often faster and safer than traditional surgical procedures. He envisions that in the next ten years we will see semi-autonomous robots assisting with complicated surgeries, accessing areas that surgeons have difficulty reaching. With a vast pool of talent and expertise, Canada is poised to lead the way, but the field of medical robotics needs everyone’s advocacy and support to achieve its exciting and ambitious goals.

James Drake is the Head of Neurosurgery at the Hospital for Sick Children and Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto. He spoke at the 2013 POGO Multi-Disciplinary Symposium on Childhood Cancer.

Straight Talk about Childhood Cancer is POGO’s new series of video shorts featuring the insights of experts whose leading-edge work impacts the care, treatment and quality of life of childhood cancer patients, survivors and their families.