Robotic Surgery
Robotic colorectal surgery services
In appropriate patients, we use the da Vinci system for the same colorectal cancer and benign operations we would otherwise perform laparoscopically or open—especially when anatomy favors wristed instruments and a stable 3D camera in a narrow pelvis.
In selected patients, we use the da Vinci robotic surgical system as a tool to perform the same colorectal cancer and benign colorectal operations we would otherwise complete with laparoscopic or open techniques. The robot adds wristed instruments and a stable 3D camera, which can be especially helpful for precise dissection in the pelvis. We do not use the robot outside our colorectal scope—for example, we do not describe robotic prostate, gynecologic, or upper abdominal procedures here; those are different specialties and indications.
Colorectal-specific examples where robotic assistance may be considered include total mesorectal excision and other rectal cancer operations requiring meticulous pelvic dissection, low anterior resection in a narrow pelvis, protectomy/proctectomy when anatomy or body habitus makes laparoscopic access challenging, and some left-sided or sigmoid colectomies when flexure mobilization and pelvic dissection are combined. The decision to use an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach is individualized after reviewing imaging, tumor location, prior surgery, and your overall health.
Robotic surgery is not automatically “better” for every patient; it is one option when it may improve exposure or ergonomics while still meeting standard oncologic and safety goals. We will discuss whether you are a candidate, expected recovery, and how this compares with alternatives. To schedule a consultation, call (509) 747-2326.
Frequently Asked Questions
Robotic colorectal surgery uses the da Vinci system to perform the same colon and rectal operations we would otherwise complete with laparoscopic or open techniques. It adds wristed instruments and a stable 3D camera, which can help with precise dissection, especially in the pelvis.
No. Robotic assistance is one option when it may improve exposure or ergonomics while meeting standard oncologic and safety goals. The best approach is chosen individually based on imaging, tumor location, prior surgery, and your overall health.
Examples include rectal cancer operations requiring meticulous pelvic dissection, low anterior resection in a narrow pelvis, some proctectomy cases when laparoscopic access is challenging, and selected left-sided or sigmoid colectomies when combined pelvic and flexure dissection is needed.
We describe robotic surgery here only within our colorectal scope. Other specialties manage robotic prostate, gynecologic, or upper abdominal procedures separately.
Call (509) 747-2326 to schedule a consultation to discuss whether an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach fits your colorectal surgical plan.