Why A Robot?
If you live in Los Angeles, the chances are that you or someone you know has had colon cancer or other diseases of the colon and rectum. For the most part, the treatment for this set of diseases is surgical and is performed by a colon and rectal surgeon, also known as a proctologist.
In times past, the operation to cure colon cancer was performed through large incisions and the hospital stay might have lasted up to 2 weeks.
The New Age. Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)
Then, along came laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, also know as minimally invasive surgery, utilizes small incisions, a camera and small tools. Working through these small incisions, your surgeon is able to perform many operations that used to be performed through long incisions. Laparoscopic surgery revolutionized operations to remove colon and rectal tumors and operations to fix certain benign diseases.
Now, if you live in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles, and you have colon cancer, rectal cancer, an enterocele (a condition whereby your small intestine falls low into your pelvis), a rectocele (a condition in which your rectum actually protrudes from your anal opening) or diverticulitis (an inflammation of the sigmoid colon), you can have your tumor removed or your condition repaired by a surgical robot. A new world…robotic surgery.
The Robot
Before you begin to think that there is a robot walking around your operating room, know that the robot is completely under the control of your surgeon and the first assistant. The main difference between robot-assisted surgery and other forms of surgery is that the surgeon works from a computer console located near the patient. The surgeon’s hands are actually special instruments which work just like a surgeon’s hands inside of the abdomen.
Robotic surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center utilizes several small abdominal incisions through which these small instruments, also know as “endo hands” with “endo wrists” perform the operation. The colorectal surgeon moves the hands using controls on the console. The surgeon views the operation from within the console on a special screen while the other members of the team see the same image on a large monitor in the room.
What are the advantages of robotic surgery in Los Angeles?
• Less pain after surgery.
• A more rapid return to work or the activities of daily life.
• Less blood loss when compared with open surgery.
• Long term results as good as any type of comparable procedure.
• Decrease in the rate of postoperative incontinence and sexual dysfunction, as the pelvic nerves controlling these functions are clearly seen using the robotic optical system.
• A potential decrease in the need for a permanent ostomy (a bag on the abdomen) as the robotic technology allows the surgeon to perform sphincter sparing operations. The sphincters control your ability to hold gas and stool.
Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates
The first step in finding out whether robotic surgery in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles is appropriate for you, call Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates today for a consultation. Your board certified surgeon will explain the procedure to you and answer all of your questions. (310)273-2310.
