Robotic Colorectal Surgery

Robotic Colorectal Surgery

What is robotic colorectal surgery?

Robotic colorectal surgery is a modern, minimally invasive way to treat health abnormalities in the colon and rectum. It uses a high-tech system, often the da Vinci robot, which the surgeon controls from a nearby computer console. This setup gives the surgeon a clear, 3D view of the area and allows for targeted movements with the robot's mechanical arms.

This type of surgery is often used for removing cancerous tissues, and benign tumours (link to service page). Additionally, robotic colorectal surgery can also help reconnect the colon after cancer removal. One of the biggest advantages of robotic colorectal surgery is that overcomes the limitations of technical surgeries with leverages like 3D visualization.

Here at CRCS, our specialist, Dr Ronnie, has made his stride as a key opinion leader in colorectal robotic surgery. Where appropriate and necessary, robotic colorectal surgery is recommended as a treatment offering to reduce complications and expedite the recovery process.

How does robotic colorectal surgery work?

Robotic colorectal surgery is a minimally invasive approach that typically involves the steps below;
1. The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen.
2. Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently inflate your abdomen, creating more space for the surgeon to visualise and operate.
3. The surgeon sits at a computer console in the operating room and controls robotic arms positioned above you. These arms hold small surgical tools and a camera that gives a detailed, 3D view of the surgical area.
4. Using the console, the surgeon directs the robotic arms. The system translates their hand movements into targeted actions by the instruments inside your body, enabling accuracy in surgery.
5. The surgeon uses the robotic arms to treat the presented condition such as carefully cutting and removing any cancerous or benign tissue and reconnecting parts of the colon. The robot’s enhanced vision and specifications are especially useful for complex surgeries in tight spaces, like the lower pelvis.
Robotic colorectal surgery is a minimally invasive way to treat colorectal issues

What are the benefits of robotic colorectal surgery?

Robotic colorectal surgery has significant benefits, especially compared to traditional surgery. Here’s why it’s often the better choice:

Reduced invasiveness:

instead of large incisions, robotic colorectal surgery only needs small incisions, reducing the likelihood of damaged tissues and excessive blood loss.

Expedited recovery:

patients are discharged sooner and recover faster, allowing them to resume their normal routines quickly.

Reduced risks:

robotic colorectal surgeries tend to be less painful post-operation with a lower risk of complications like infections or hernias (link to service page).

Increased precision:

robotic systems are advantageous due to movement specificity based on the surgeon’s guidance. This is especially helpful for complex surgeries, especially in tight spaces like the lower pelvis.

Increased visualization:

robotic surgeries provide a clear, 3D view of the area being operated on, which helps the surgeon to view everything in detail and make better informed surgical decisions.

What conditions can robotic colorectal surgery treat?

Robotic colorectal surgery can treat several conditions affecting the colon and rectum. These include:
  • Colorectal cancer:
  • enables removal of cancerous tumours from the colon and the rectum with better target and specifications, ensuring complete removal and minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
  • Benign tumours and polyps:
  • eliminates non-cancerous growths to prevent complications and reduce cancer risk.
  • Diverticulitis:
  • removes the inflamed or infected parts of the colon, helping to alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
  • removes severely affected sections of the intestine in conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
  • Bowel obstruction:
  • treats blockages in the intestines caused by scar tissue, hernias, or tumours, relieving pain and restoring normal function.
  • Rectal prolapse:
  • repairs the rectum when it slips outside the anus, providing a long-term solution and reducing recurrence risk.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP):
  • removes numerous polyps from the colon and rectum, lowering the risk of developing cancer.

    What results can I expect from robotic colorectal surgery?

    The recovery from robotic colorectal surgery will depend on your specific condition and severity.
    Recovering from robotic colorectal surgery is a process that happens in stages. These are what you can generally expect:
    Stage Activities and expectations
    Right after surgery (first few days) - Close monitoring by doctors and nurses.
    - Medication to manage pain.
    - You are encouraged to walk around to improve blood flow and speed recovery.
    - Start with ice chips or clear liquids, gradually moving to solid foods. Proper nutrition is essential for healing.
    First 2 weeks at home - Increase your movement with short walks to begin conditioning the body towards recovery.
    - Keep the surgery site clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection.
    - Gradually reduce pain medications to reduce dependence and prime the body to a stable state.
    - Practice small, frequent meals to manage nausea and bloating.
    - Use stool softeners or fibre supplements if needed for bowel movements.
    3 to 6 weeks after surgery - Gradually increase physical activity, but avoid heavy lifting.
    - Patients can usually resume activities such as driving once comfortable and off strong pain medications.
    - Visits with the surgeon may be necessary to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
    Beyond 6 weeks (long-term recovery) - Return to work and normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
    - Continue a balanced diet with plenty of fibre, and consuming lots of water.
    - Monitor for persistent pain, fever, or unusual bowel changes; contact a doctor if needed.
    - Checkups will be arranged as deemed necessary.
    Robotic colorectal surgery can treat several conditions affecting the colon and rectum effectively alleviating symptoms.

    How many treatment sessions are needed?

    Robotic colorectal surgery usually involves just one main surgical session. After the surgery, you’ll have a follow-up visit within the first week or two. This is to assess your recovery and the surgical site. Beyond post-operative care, you may be recommended follow-up visits at regular intervals, such as 6 months, or annually. These visits are to ensure you’re maintaining good health and do not show signs of the disease relapsing or worsening.

    You may also be recommended dietary and lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and routine health checks to support your recovery. In cases of cancer diagnosis, you might need additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation (link to service page). The support will depend on your specific condition.

    Reach out to us today to learn more about our robotic surgery options and how we can help you achieve a healthier future. Schedule your consultation now (link to service page) and take the first step towards better health and peace of mind.

    Frequently asked questions

    Robotic colorectal surgery usually takes between 3 to 5 hours. The exact time can depend on how complicated the case is. Things like the type of surgery, the patient's anatomy, and any unexpected issues during the procedure can affect the duration.

    Although robotic colorectal surgery generally has fewer complications than traditional open surgery, there are still some risks. These include reactions to anaesthesia, bleeding and infection.

    Robotic colorectal surgery isn’t suitable for everyone. Factors like the patient's overall health, the stage and location of the colorectal disease, any previous abdominal surgeries, and specific anatomical details all play a role in determining if this approach is right. Your surgeon will assess your situation to decide the best surgical method for you.

    Location

    Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS)

    3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, SG 228510

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