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Surgery for Rectal Cancer: Stages II, III, IV

Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer

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Robotic surgery uses a minimally invasive high tech robotic instrument in a hospital to perform surgery. Robotic surgery is particularly useful for rectal surgery because of the tiny pelvic nerves around the rectum. Use of the robot helps reduce sexual and bladder problems. 

The procedure:

  • Unlike robots like R2D2, robotic instruments are controlled by a surgeon who controls every action of the surgical robot.
  • The procedure is much like a laparoscopy. 3 or 4 robotic instruments are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. The surgeon controls the movements of the robotic instruments.
  • Robotic instruments are more precise and flexible than conventional laparoscopic tools and the surgeon’s view is 3 dimensional.
  • The procedure usually takes about 2 hours from start to finish. 
  • General anesthesia is used so there is no pain during the procedure and less pain afterwards than either open or laparoscopic resection.
  • Close to 90% of patients leave the hospital within 24 hours.  A few patients need an extra day – usually just for safety reasons.

Preparation for Robotic Surgery:

  • Your doctor will usually ask that you stop aspirin and blood thinners  7 – 10 days before surgery to avoid bleeding problems during the surgery.
  • Herbs , vitamins or supplements that may cause bleeding should also be stopped at least 10 days to 2 weeks before the operation.
  • There is no need to bank your blood before the operation because blood loss is usually just a few tablespoons.

Recovery from Robotic Surgery:

  • An advantage of robotic surgery is that it is better at sparing sensitive nerves that are involved in erectile and bladder functioning and the anal sphincter.

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