Surgical Treatments
We Provide Many Surgical Solutions to Treat Rectal or Colon Conditions
Minimally Invasive Robotic and Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
During minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic colon surgery all of the major steps previously done through a large open wound are now performed through tiny dime-sized incisions without opening the abdomen to the air. We use robotic and computerized instruments to safely complete the surgery without a large incision across the abdomen. Because the surgical scar is minimal and trauma is greatly reduced, there are many fewer complications and a much lower chance of a colostomy. Our patients have much less pain and a far quicker and safer recovery.
The surgeons at Houston Colon are nationally recognized for their innovations and expertise in performing robotic and minimally invasive laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
We perform our colon procedures using robotic, laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery which places us among the most experienced and highest volume surgeons in the country. There are many proven benefits of minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional open surgery:
| Compare | Open Surgery | Minimally Invasive Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Compare Scarring | Open Surgery10 to 16 inches | Minimally Invasive Surgery1 to 2 inches |
| Compare Pain Level | Open SurgerySevere | Minimally Invasive Surgery Minimal |
| Compare Hospital Stay | Open Surgery7 to 10 Days | Minimally Invasive Surgery 2 to 3 Days |
| Compare Return To Work | Open Surgery6 to 12 Weeks | Minimally Invasive Surgery2 to 3 Weeks |
| Compare Infection Rate | Open Surgery 4% | Minimally Invasive Surgery2% |
| Compare Complications | Open Surgery40% | Minimally Invasive Surgery 10% |
*From publications: Haas EM. A national evaluation of clinical and economic outcomes in open versus laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Surg Endosc. 2016 Oct;30(10):4220-8. PMID: 26715021
Haas EM. Review of 500 single incision laparoscopic colorectal surgery cases – Lessons learned. World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Jan 14;22(2):659-67. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i2.659.
Advantages
Since the surgical scar is tiny, there is much less trauma to the tissues and therefore much less pain. Our patients recover without taking large amounts of opioid pain killers and recover much quicker than open surgery.
Since the size of the incision is so much smaller and the tissues are handled in a much more delicate fashion when compared to large open surgeries, the infection rates have been proven to be far lower.
Highly technical and 3-D video magnification during robotic surgery offers us enhanced visualization to allow us to perform precise maneuvers which results in better outcomes and lower complications versus open surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery has allowed us to complete the surgery with far less bleeding and without the need for blood transfusions when compared to open surgery.
The Robotic NICE Procedure allows us to remove the disease through the rectum and avoid a large scar. During open surgery, there is a 12 to 16-inch incision which is very painful and results in infections and hernias.
Following robotic surgery, our patients are started on a diet the same night of surgery, take much fewer pain medications, are up and out of bed right away. Following open surgery, most patients are confined to the bed for days and require high doses of painkillers which can result in nausea, vomiting, and delayed ability to eat and recover.
Following laparoscopic and robotic surgery, our patients are placed on an enhanced recovery pathway which promotes speedy and safe recovery. Most of our patients are ready to leave the hospital in just 2 or 3 days compared to an average of 6 days following open surgery.
After robotic surgery, the recovery, once you leave the hospital, is also much faster. Most of our patients are able to return to work or travel within 2 to 3 weeks versus 2 to 3 months after open procedures.