SCA's Dr. Brown Broderick Helped Expand Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Gynecologic Cancer Patients

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SCA gynecologic oncologist Dr. Jennifer Brown Broderick has played a leading role in establishing and expanding robotic-assisted surgery for gynecologic cancer patients across Saskatchewan.

Across the province, more cancer patients are benefiting from the expansion of robot-assisted surgical (RAS) systems. These advanced technologies are transforming patient care by enabling less invasive procedures, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.

Dr. Brown Broderick is at the forefront of this innovation. As one of the lead surgeons performing complex robotic procedures at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, she has been instrumental in bringing this cutting-edge technology to Saskatchewan. Beyond her surgical expertise, she has served as a clinical champion—training, mentoring, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to ensure the technology is used safely and effectively.

“My goal has always been to make the most advanced surgical care accessible to patients right here at home,” says Dr. Brown Broderick. “Robotic surgery allows us to offer procedures that support faster recovery and significantly improve the overall treatment journey.”

The robotic system is operated from a central console, where the surgeon uses hand and foot controls to guide robotic arms equipped with tiny instruments and a high-definition camera. Each movement is translated into precise, scaled actions inside the patient’s body. The camera provides a magnified 3D view of the surgical field, offering far greater detail than traditional approaches.

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“The visualization is incredible—the anatomy is crystal clear,” Dr. Brown Broderick explains. “As a former engineer, I appreciate how technology can elevate patient care. It feels like the perfect blend of my two careers.”

Robotic-assisted surgery offers enhanced visualization, improved dexterity, and more precise instrument control compared to open surgery or conventional laparoscopy.

Since the provincial program expanded, robotic systems have been adopted across multiple specialties, including urology, gynecologic oncology, colorectal, thoracic, and general surgery. Early cases at Royal University Hospital have included colorectal and hepatobiliary procedures, while gynecologic oncology teams report same-day discharge for almost 100% of endometrial cancer patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy.

For patients with higher body mass index or multiple comorbidities—groups that often face barriers to minimally invasive surgery—robotic approaches can make these procedures possible.

“One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing patients who might not have been candidates for minimally invasive surgery now able to recover faster and with less pain,” says Dr. Brown Broderick. “That’s a meaningful step forward for equity and access.”

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Integrating robotic surgery into routine practice requires more than surgical expertise—it demands coordination across nursing, anesthesia, perioperative services, and administrative teams. Dr. Brown Broderick has worked closely with site coordinators and nursing leaders to develop workflows, educate staff, and ensure safe perioperative pathways.

“Robotic surgery is truly a team effort,” she notes. “Every successful case reflects the dedication of dozens of people working together to deliver the best possible care.”

Dr. Brown Broderick’s leadership in robotic surgery began with specialized training and fellowship experience in Ottawa in 2016. She continued to refine her skills through her work in the United States before returning to Canada in 2020, and has served as a proctor for other centres, including supporting a program launch in Moncton.

Her combination of technical expertise and teaching experience positioned her to guide Saskatchewan’s program rollout and mentor colleagues and care teams as the initiative expanded.

“Being part of this program has been a privilege,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s about providing the best possible care. Every time a patient goes home sooner, experiences less pain, or has a smoother recovery, it reinforces why this work matters.”