Colorectal Surgery Technology
Robotic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery, is a newer variation of minimally invasive techniques (in other words, a surgery that’s gentler on a patient’s body). In these operations, the surgeon uses incisions only about a half-inch long to insert tiny surgical instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. The procedure is performed from a nearby console with a monitor and controls for the surgical tools.
Robotic surgery avoids the need for the large incisions seen in open surgery, and as a result, patients typically experience fewer, less-severe side effects, faster recovery time, and less scarring. This approach is gaining popularity for rectal operations because robotic instruments are well-suited to operate in the pelvis, where another minimally invasive technique, laparoscopic surgery, is more difficult. Additionally, surgeons have better visibility while using the robot.
Each member of the colorectal surgery team at City of Hope has extensive training and experience in robotic surgery techniques to treat a variety of both benign and malignant conditions.
Laparoscopic surgery is a technology platform to perform abdominal surgeries as minimally invasive procedures, meaning that it is gentler on a patient’s body. With incisions only about a half-inch long, the abdomen is inflated to give the surgeon space to work, and a camera and tiny surgical tools are inserted to perform the procedure.
Because laparoscopic surgery avoids the need for large incisions seen in open surgery, there is usually less discomfort following the procedure, with a shorter hospital stay, less need for prescription pain medications, an earlier return to normal activities and less visible scarring.
Each member of the colorectal surgery team at City of Hope has extensive training and experience in laparoscopic surgery to treat a variety of both benign and malignant conditions.
For certain rectal lesions that are not necessarily requiring complete removal of the rectum through the abdomen but cannot be handled through a colonoscope, several technology platforms aim at achieving a minimally invasive approach through the anus.
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery, or TEMS, provides a surgical platform to introduce several working instruments through the anus and remove a lesion under direct visual control. If successful, a major surgery through the abdomen with the possible need to create a stoma can often be avoided.
The specialists at City of Hope’s Division of Colorectal Surgery have the expertise and skills in the latest surgical techniques.
For certain rectal lesions that are not necessarily requiring complete removal of the rectum through the abdomen but cannot be handled through a colonoscope, several technology platforms aim at achieving a minimally invasive approach through the anus.
Transanal minimally invasive surgery, or TAMIS, provides a surgical platform to introduce several working instruments through the anus and remove a lesion under direct visual control. If successful, a major surgery through the abdomen with the possible need to create a stoma can often be avoided.
The specialists at City of Hope’s Division of Colorectal Surgery have the expertise and skills in the latest surgical techniques.
For certain rectal lesions that are not necessarily requiring complete removal of the rectum through the abdomen but cannot be handled through a colonoscope, several technology platforms aim at achieving a minimally invasive approach through the anus.
The robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (r-TAMIS) provides a surgical platform that combines the conventional TAMIS with the advantages of the robot. Several working instruments are introduced through the anus. These instruments are controlled by the robot and allow for the very precise removal of a lesion under direct visual control. If successful, a major surgery through the abdomen with the possible need to create a stoma can often be avoided.
The specialists at City of Hope’s Division of Colorectal Surgery have the expertise and skills in the latest surgical techniques.
Advanced and oftentimes recurrent cancers may not be suited for a minimally invasive approach. To achieve an optimal removal of all cancer-containing tissue, the surgical approach sometimes has to be aggressive and remove several structures/organs through a major abdominal incision. While our philosophy aims at keeping incisions as small as possible, certain conditions require large and aggressive strategies to be safe and successful.
The specialists at City of Hope’s Division of Colorectal Surgery closely collaborate with other specialists and, as a team, rank among the most experienced cancer centers in dealing with the most complex cancer situations.
Advanced and oftentimes recurrent or metastatic cancers may need an individualized and aggressive strategy for the optimal removal of all cancer-containing tissue. This may involve resectioning several independent organ structures or neighboring organs. While our philosophy aims at keeping incisions as small as possible, certain conditions require us to push the envelope and perform large and aggressive resections of cancer-involved organs. Depending on what can be preserved, reconstructive efforts must be tailored to the individual situation.
The specialists at City of Hope’s Division of Colorectal Surgery closely collaborate with other specialists and, as a team, rank among the most experienced cancer centers in dealing with the most complex cancer situations.
Metastatic cancers may need an individualized and aggressive strategy for the optimal removal of all cancer-containing tissue. This may involve resection in independent organ structures (for example, colon/rectum and liver or lung). While our philosophy aims at keeping incisions as small as possible, certain conditions require us to push the envelope and perform these aggressive resections through a larger incision.
The specialists at City of Hope’s Division of Colorectal Surgery closely collaborate with other specialists and, as a team, rank among the most experienced cancer centers in dealing with the most complex cancer situations.
For select tumors that have resulted in a spread of cancer in the abdominal cavity, there may be a role for cytoreductive surgery and administration of HIPEC.
Surgeons at City of Hope are experienced in those procedures and at the forefront of research to evolving techniques (for example, pressurized intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or PIPEC).
Fecal incontinence remains a major cause of reduced quality of life. Sacral nerve stimulation entails the placement of a "pacemaker" that stimulates the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles and can successfully improve control in many patients. The procedure is conducted on an outpatient basis.
The specialists at City of Hope’s Division of Colorectal Surgery have the expertise and skills in the latest surgical techniques.