How Can A Robot Help?
The future may be knocking on our door. The future may be a robot, a surgical robot, a robot that can assist surgeons in many procedures such as colon and rectal operations, heart operations, prostate operations and gynecological operations. Of all of these, the fastest growing area of robot-assisted surgery is in the field of colorectal surgery, performed by proctologists, also known as colon and rectal surgeons.
A Large Step Forward Through Small Incisions
Operations such as colon or rectal resections for cancer, or certain cases of diverticulitis (an inflammation of the colon), as well as operations for rectal prolapse (in which the rectum actually protrudes out from the anal opening), and enterocele (a weakness of the pelvic floor), are now being performed with the help of a robot as an assistant. In the past, these procedures were performed after making a long incision on the abdomen. With the advent of laparoscopic, or minimally invasive surgery, the incisions become smaller and the recovery time became quicker. Patients began returning to the activities of daily life, and to work, much quicker.
Enter the robot, a machine capable of holding a 3-Dimensional camera, and 3 special instruments, in its arms. The robot was introduced for colorectal surgical use in 2002, and has enjoyed rapid growth since that time. It cannot operate independently (yet). All of its movements are under the direct control of a trained and certified colon and rectal surgeon.
Advantages of robotic surgery include a reduction in the natural, normal slight tremor of the surgeon’s hand, a 3-dimensional view of the operative field, a clearer view of the nerves controlling continence and sexual functioning, a more rapid return to work when compared with traditional, open operations, and less postoperative pain. The field of robotic surgery is evolving rapidly.
Where and By Whom?
The operation is performed at large institutions such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and in other cities across the United States. Patients are under general anesthesia in a specially equipped operating room. The large hospital setting is ideal in partnering the da Vinci® Si robot, the essential supporting tools and the skilled and practiced support staff. Functioning as a team, the surgeon, a fully trained first assistant, and the da Vinci® Si robot help to offer patients a superb treatment regimen.
Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates
The surgeons of Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates are early adopters in this new wave of surgical technology in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and surrounding areas. Working as a team, they have steadily advanced the standards and practices of robotic operations and have worked to develop and fine tune the procedures and tools necessary to perform skilled robotic operations.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
The modern and advanced campus of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has a strong tradition of promoting outstanding, high quality medical and surgical care and uses the robot in many fields.
The surgeons of Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates, working closely with other surgeons and the staff of Cedars-Sinai, have combined to take patient care to a robotic level. A consultation with one of the surgeons will allow you to learn if you are a candidate for the surgery of tomorrow, today. (310)273-2310.
