As recently as 20 years ago, the main method doctors used to remove colon and rectal tumors was through open operation. While effective and safe, it only allowed for a large incision in the body to remove the tumor.
Since then, laparoscopic -- or minimally invasive -- surgery has been developed. Revolutionary at the time, it gave surgeons the ability to perform operations using much smaller incisions, with the use of sleek, modern instruments and a tiny camera that fits inside the body.
Fast forward and minimally invasive surgery has gotten even better.
Perks of minimally invasive surgery
Dr. Shawn Obi, a general surgeon at Henry Ford Health, said the robotic technology allows surgeons to control several surgical instruments via a single robotic arm while viewing the surgical site on a 3D screen.
“The robot has wrist-like movements that are incredibly flexible, making surgery even more precise,” he said.
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery are plenty, but some of the most important include:
Better precision in operation. “The technology has finer control,” Obi said. “Laparoscopic surgery just uses sticks that open and close. And while surgeons are trained to use these tools very well, the robot has a wider range of motion that makes precision easier.”
Fewer risks of complications. With a smaller incision, there is lower risk for complications like wound infections and hernias.
Less blood loss. “A smaller incision allows for less tissue damage, less blood loss and less stress on the body,” Obi said.
Faster recovery. Smaller incisions mean less damage to tissue, which means getting out of the hospital sooner -- at least a day earlier than if you’d had an open operation, according to Henry Ford Health. That translates to quicker recovery. Doctors say you might feel fatigued in the middle of the day, but if you take the time to rest, you’re more likely to rebound quicker.
Rectal surgery vs. minimally invasive colon surgery
Rectal surgery, by nature, is more complicated than colon surgery, Obi said, and minimally invasive robotic surgery can be used to remove both colon and rectal tumors.
“Because of our anatomy, the rectum is a difficult, confined space to be working in, and surgery is more delicate. It takes more time,” Obi said. “Because of that confined space, if you have stage two or three rectal cancer, we’ll often deliver chemotherapy or radiation before surgery. Radiation helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in the pelvis and promotes better survival. Chemotherapy helps radiation work better and can help control any disease that might have spread outside of the rectum.”
Are you an ideal candidate for minimally invasive colorectal surgery?
If you are left with the decision to be made on which procedure to opt for, there are a few things to consider.
Obi said if you have significant congestive heart failure or a complex abdominal surgical history, you might not be a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery, but that’s a low percentage of people.
“If we have a large tumor and a thin patient, we might also opt for an open operation,” he said. “And we don’t do any type of surgery on stage 4 rectal patients unless they have a blockage of the bowels or a bleeding problem.”
The bottom line is that the earlier cancer is caught, the easier treatment will likely be. Doctors can remove polyps in the procedure before they become cancerous, ultimately eliminating the need for a surgery later down the road.
According to the American Cancer Society, a screening colonoscopy is recommended at the age of 45 for those who are at an average risk of colorectal cancer, but Obi said many people miss that window.
He said it’s so important to get the screening when you’re due.
“We know that some polyps turn into cancerous polyps, and they can usually be removed during a colonoscopy,” he said. “It significantly reduces the risk of colon cancer. It’s one of those things where you might not have any symptoms, and to find that polyp on a colonoscopy could be lifesaving.”
To learn more about colorectal cancer screening and treatment options, visit henryford.com/coloncancer.