Robotic Surgery and Colorectal Cancer: An Innovative Approach

In the ever-advancing world of medical technology, robotic surgery has stepped into the limelight, offering a game-changing way to tackle various medical conditions, including colorectal cancer. This isn’t your typical surgery; it’s a high-tech procedure that employs a robotic system to lend a helping hand to male and female surgeons. It provides your colorectal surgeon in Melbourne with an up-close, 3D views of the surgery site, plus giving your colorectal surgeon extra precision and control over their tools. Robotic surgery is especially sought after for tricky procedures that might be too challenging with traditional open surgery.

How Accurate is Robotic Surgery?

Wondering just how accurate this robotic wizardry is? Well, you’re not alone. People often ask colorectal surgeons if robotic surgery measures up to traditional open surgery. Turns out, it not only matches the accuracy of traditional methods but can even outperform them in some situations.

Robotic surgery shines when it comes to tackling complex procedures low in the pelvis, like those involving rectal prolapse and rectal cancer. While it may take a bit longer than the typical laparoscopic surgery, it boasts better results in terms of resection margins and less blood loss. With improved margins, the risk of nerve injury and sexual dysfunction decreases significantly, making it a go-to choice for many patients and colorectal surgeons in Melbourne.

How Does Robotic Surgery Work?

But how does it all work? Despite the fancy name “robotic surgery,” it’s not robots taking the lead. Skilled male and female surgeons are at the helm, using miniaturised robotic arms inserted through a few tiny openings. They’re the ones in control of the show. They sit at a console in the operating room, directing the robotic arms using hand and foot controls. This console provides them with a magnified, 3D views of the surgical site on a monitor, allowing for precise movements and exceptional control during the operation. So, you’ve got your colorectal surgeon’s skill and knowledge guiding the whole process.

You might have heard of systems like the da Vinci Surgical System, Senhance System, and Hominis Surgical System. These high-tech tools have gained popularity and are becoming more common in surgeries. In fact, from 2012 to 2022, using robotic technology in surgical procedures in the United States surged, starting at 0% and escalating to 22%, with each year seeing an average growth of 25% in the adoption of robotic surgical procedures. In Australia, 6110 robotic general surgery procedures were performed country wide between 2010-2019, with 3522 (57.6%) being robotic colorectal procedures.

What Can Go Wrong?

Now, the big question: can robotic surgery go wrong? Well, like any medical procedure, it’s not entirely without risks. There’s a chance of infection, bleeding, harm to nearby organs, and, in extremely rare cases, fatal complications. But rest assured, the odds of these complications occurring are quite low, especially when an experienced colorectal surgeon is at the helm. The precision of the robotic system and the surgeon’s expertise help minimise these risks, making robotic surgery a safe and effective choice for those in need of treatment.

Pros and Cons of Robotic Surgery

Now, let’s talk about the pros and cons. Robotic surgery for colorectal cancer tends to lower the same risks and improve the benefits of traditional open surgery. When you choose the robotic route, you benefit from shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, lower medical bills, less post-op pain, minimal blood loss, smaller incisions, and fewer complications. These advantages make robotic surgery an appealing option for those facing colorectal cancer, as well as your colorectal surgeon in Melbourne.

In a nutshell, robotic surgery has given us a new and innovative way to approach complex medical procedures, especially those involving colorectal cancer. The precision, innovation, and safety it offers make it an attractive choice for patients looking for an effective and minimally invasive treatment. While concerns and questions about robotic surgery are completely valid, the evidence suggests that, in the hands of experienced surgeons, robotic surgery delivers highly accurate and safe outcomes. This, in turn, can significantly improve the quality of life for patients battling colorectal cancer.

Looking for a male or female surgeon? Ask for a top colorectal surgeon in Melbourne

While experience and qualifications are essential when looking for a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne for your colorectal surgery, many people also ask for a female surgeon due to the intimate nature of these health conditions and treatments. So, if you do want a female surgeon, don’t be afraid to ask!