Robotic colorectal surgery combines advanced minimally invasive technology with the expertise of NGHS’s fellowship‑trained colorectal surgeons. This approach allows for greater precision, smaller incisions, and faster recovery – which is especially important for delicate operations within the pelvis and lower abdomen.
As a nationally recognized Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, NGHS provides patients with leading‑edge care for colon and rectal conditions.
Why Choose Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery enhances a surgeon’s ability to operate in tight spaces with exceptional accuracy. For colorectal procedures, this means:
- Smaller incisions and less scarring
- Reduced blood loss and fewer complications
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster return to normal activities
- Improved visualization of nerves and critical structures
- Greater precision for cancer resections and pelvic procedures
These benefits make robotic surgery an excellent option for many colorectal conditions, from cancer to inflammatory bowel disease.
The da Vinci Surgical System is a tool that utilizes advanced, robotic, computer and optical technologies to assist your surgeon with your operation. It does not act on its own and its movements are controlled by your surgeon.
The da Vinci Surgical System has a 3D high definition (3D-HD) vision system, special instruments and computer software that allow your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. The 3D-HD image is highly magnified, so your surgeon has a close-up view of the area he or she is operating on.
The da Vinci instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist – allowing your surgeon to make small, precise movements inside your body.
And, da Vinci software can minimize the effects of a surgeon’s hand tremors on instrument movements.
Conditions treated with robotic colorectal surgery
Our surgeons use robotic-assisted techniques to treat a wide range of colon and rectal diseases, including:
- Colon and rectal cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Rectal prolapse
- Polyps and benign tumors
- Hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas (when minimally invasive approaches are appropriate)
Robotic surgery may not be necessary for every condition, but for many patients it offers a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery.
Is Robotic Colon or Rectal Surgery Right for Me?
In recent years, robotic surgery has proven to be an effective alternative to traditional open surgery. With many benefits including faster recovery, a smaller incision site, and more this method has quickly become a preferred method by surgeons worldwide.
Additional benefits of robotic surgery include:
- Shorter hospital stay – Studies show patients who undergo robotic surgery frequently experience shorter hospital stays.
- Less blood loss – Statistically, patients experience significantly less intraoperative blood loss during robotic surgery.
- Fewer complications – Laparoscopic instruments can be difficult for surgeons to maneuver and have been linked to anastomotic complications. This, however, is not an issue with robotic surgery.
- Less need for narcotic pain medicine – The precision of robotic equipment allows surgeons to operate better on target areas, minimizing nerve injury and reducing postoperative pain.
- Minimal scarring – Robotic surgery is minimally invasive and requires a much smaller incision than traditional open surgery.
Centers of Excellence
NGHS is the first in Georgia to receive accreditation by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in:
- Robotic Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
SRC is an internationally recognized patient safety organization that recognizes NGHS for its dedication to delivering safe, effective and evidence-based patient care in these designated areas through its independent, external process of evaluation.
Robotic Surgery- Colorectal Surgery
