For months, Farima and Mike watched helplessly as their teenage son suffered through waves of excruciating pain, nausea, and relentless vomiting. Every seven to ten days, their son would be struck with cramps so severe that he would double over. His vomiting would last for 24 hours at a time, leaving him exhausted and dehydrated.

“We went to various hospitals and emergency rooms so many times,” recalls Farima. “Everyone we encountered was hesitant to run tests or do ultrasounds. It was frustrating beyond words.” 

As the months dragged on, their son’s episodes worsened. The vomiting was no longer sporadic – it was constant. “From morning to night, night to morning. He was just so sick. It was heartbreaking,” says Mike.

Then, they finally got an answer. An ultrasound revealed a blockage in their son’s kidney, a condition known as Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction, where urine could not properly flow into the bladder. The damage had progressed to the point where his kidney function had dropped to just 25 per cent. Their paediatrician immediately referred them to Dr. Ravi Kumar, a Urologic Oncologist and Surgeon at Humber River Health (Humber).

The news that their son needed surgery was both devastating and a relief. “At least there was a solution,” says Farima. 

Choosing Robotic Surgery

From early on, Farima and Mike understood that their son’s case was unique. This was Humber River Health’s first paediatric robotic-assisted surgery – and one of the first in the city. 

When they learned that their son would undergo this minimally invasive pyeloplasty using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System – the family did their research. “We definitely looked it up on YouTube,” chuckles Mike. “Once we saw the level of precision and accuracy, we felt more confident. It was reassuring to know that this advanced technology would be used.”

Dr. Kumar explained that while an open or laparoscopic surgery was an option, robotic surgery was beneficial. “The da Vinci Xi system allows for an enhanced 3D, high-definition view, precise movements, and a level of accuracy that minimizes complications,” says Dr. Kumar. “For a case like this, it meant a smoother surgery and a
quicker recovery.”

While laparoscopic surgery is a well-established technique, the da Vinci Xi robotic system elevates procedures like pyeloplasty to a new level of confidence. “We can be more certain about the critical steps when we do it robotically,” explains Dr. Luke Fazio, Head of Urology at Humber River Health. “Yes, we can do this laparoscopically, and we have, but the robot provides that extra level of confidence. When given the option, even highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons overwhelmingly prefer using the robot, as it ensures the best possible reconstructive process, setting patients up for long-term success.”

One of the most significant advantages of Humber’s robotic surgery program is its accessibility. Humber’s community-based setting allows patients to receive specialized procedures closer to home. “Patients don’t always need to go to a downtown centre, especially when we have highly trained surgeons like Dr. Kumar who can perform these complex procedures right here,” says Dr. Fazio. “Because of the support we have from the Humber River Health Foundation and our donors, we’re able to provide these procedures, even if they are not cancer-related or do not always have strong funding support.”

A Future Without Pain

“The night before his surgery, our son was extremely nervous,” says Mike. “When we got there, though, everyone was so reassuring. The Child Life Specialist walked us through everything, answering all our son’s questions. Then, Dr. Kumar, Dr. Fazio, and the anaesthesiologist all came to check in. They didn’t rush us – they made sure we were comfortable.”

Using the robotic system, Drs. Kumar and Fazio removed the blockage and reconstructed the ureter, allowing the kidney to drain properly again. The surgery was a success, and a temporary stent was placed to ensure optimal healing. After just two days in the hospital, their son was discharged. Within one week, he was back at school, and by the two-week mark, he was feeling completely normal again.

It has now been five months since the surgery, and the results are clear. “Before, he couldn’t go more than a week without getting sick,” says Mike. “Now, he hasn’t had a single episode. No pain, no nausea. It’s like he has a whole new life.”

Though follow-up tests are still ongoing, the family is confident in the results. “He’s back to playing sports, he’s excelling at school – he doesn’t feel limited anymore,” says Farima. “That’s all we ever wanted.”

Looking Ahead

While the hospital does not yet have a dedicated paediatric robotic surgery program, this successful case paves the way for more opportunities in the future. “There’s a lot of potential,” says Dr. Kumar. “The challenge is; most doctors don’t even think of referring paediatric patients to Humber for robotic surgery – yet. But now that we have done it, hopefully more families can benefit from this technology.”

For Humber to expand its robotic surgery program, additional donor support is essential. “Right now, we are using our robot five days a week,” says Dr. Fazio. “If we had a second device, we could do even more cases like this.”

For Farima and Mike, their biggest hope is that their story encourages other parents to speak up for their children. “If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this, it’s to advocate for the health of yourself and your family,” says Farima. “We had to fight so hard to get our son the right diagnosis. I can’t imagine how many other parents have been turned away.”

Thanks to the dedication of their doctors, the generosity of donors, and the innovative healthcare at Humber, their son now has a future free of pain. By continuing to invest in advanced surgical technology and expanding access to specialized care, Humber River Health remains committed to curing healthcare – one patient at a time.

By Shahana Gaur
Shahana Gaur works in communications at Humber River Health.