Robotic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Benefits and Future
Robotic surgery in India is advancing rapidly, with about 30% of all complex surgeries now utilising robotics for enhanced precision and control. India has become a major hub for medical advancements in South Asia offering high-quality medical care. Robotic surgery has proven especially beneficial for procedures in the thoracic and abdominal regions, where vital organs are closely positioned. It makes it easy to access organs without disturbing the surrounding organs and tissues. Colorectal cancer is an example of this because it is located in a portion of the pelvis that is difficult to access. The colorectal polyps and tumours can be removed through open, laparoscopic or robotics-assisted surgery. However, robotics-assisted surgery is preferred when possible. This technology reduces complications, lowers patient trauma and promotes a quicker recovery.
Close to 30% of advanced, complex surgeries performed in India employ robotics for enhanced precision. India has become a south-asian medical hub, providing high quality life-saving care. The use of robotics in medical surgeries has provided surgeons with better control and enhanced dexterity. This has made robotic surgery a useful tool for surgeries performed in the thoracic and abdominal cavities because this region holds most of our vital organs, positioned at close quarters to each other. Using the robotic arm to perform these surgeries minimises the risk of complications, as the neighbouring organs suffer minimal impact. The patient suffers less trauma during the surgery, experiences less post-operative pain and recovers faster.
As of 2023, India had 140 hospitals that could perform precision robotic surgery, and that number is increasing year-on-year.
Colorectal cancer is a disease that causes the formation of rapidly growing polyps on the inner lining of the colon and rectum. If left untreated, these growths could spread to other areas of the body. Oncologists now prescribe regular screening test for colorectal cancer, usually as part of a Master Health Check-up. The screening test helps detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancerous tumours. Early detection through screening tests and prompt treatment can be lifesaving for most patients. A colonoscopy is the most common colorectal cancer screening test.
Colorectal cancer typically affects people who are above the age of 50. However, over the past 15 years, the colorectal cancer rates in people aged 20 to 49 is also increasing. Smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, being overweight and not exercising are known to increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. The cancerous polyps or tumours are removed surgically in a procedure called a colon resection or a Colectomy. During this procedure, the segment of the colon containing the polyps is removed along with a margin of surrounding tissue. The cut ends of the colon are then joined together in an anastomosis to complete the digestive tract. This procedure can be performed in 3 different ways – open, laparoscopic or robotics-assisted surgery.
Open surgery requires an incision wide enough for the surgeon to directly visualise the colon and perform the procedure with hand-held tools. This is very invasive and results in major blood loss and a lot of damage to surrounding tissue. The laparoscopic colectomy and robotics-assisted colectomy are both minimally invasive procedures. They only require small incisions for the high-precision tools and cameras to be inserted.
During a laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon uses long-handled tools and views a magnified live feed from the laparoscopic cameras. The robotics-assisted colectomy is even more precise and minimally invasive. It is performed through very small incisions, which are only about as long as a fingertip. The surgeon doesn’t manually hold any surgical instruments. Instead, the surgery is performed by a robotic arm that the surgeon controls through a surgical console. The system provides the surgeon with high-definition 3D views of the surgical area. The console also controls the camera. The robotic arm has built-in tremor filtration technology, allowing the surgeon to control micro-movements with ease. The instruments used have a 360 degree range of motion, especially at the wrist level. This improves precision, and gives surgeons more minimally invasive options when it comes to accessing the part of the colon that needs to be operated on.
Robotic surgery offers the following key advantages over laparoscopic surgery, even though they are both minimally invasive procedures:
– Improved visualisation for the surgeon
– Improved ergonomics for the surgeon
– Finer dissections or incisions in a tight space, without affecting surrounding tissues
– Improved safety
Something that’s often overlooked in a surgery is the doctor’s comfort. We usually focus a lot on the patient; Their position, their incision site, their blood loss etc. We often don’t consciously remember that the surgeon’s performance is improved when they are comfortable and supported. During robotics-assisted surgery, the surgeon is not standing, bent over the patient on the operating table (an uncomfortable position for prolonged periods of time). They are, instead, seated on a comfortable chair at the console. This means they can perform longer procedures without getting too tired, and avoid the risk of any tremors altogether. The patient outcomes are naturally better as a result of this.
Robotic Colectomies are offered as a surgical treatment option to:
Patients who have colorectal cancer
Patients who have inflammatory bowel disease – Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Patients suffering from a rectal prolapse
Patients who have had previous open surgeries in the pelvic region may not be good candidates for robotic surgery. They may have too much scar tissue or many adhesions. Patients who have recurrent rectal cancer are also not recommended Robotics-assisted colectomies. Your oncologist and surgeon can help you understand which treatment option is best for your specific case.
Robotics-assisted surgery has given surgeons the tools to push the limits of how they can help save lives. It is now possible to do very complicated procedures with minimally-invasive techniques. This means very sick patients suffer less, and recover more quickly. Robotics-assisted surgery and surgical tools is a burgeoning industry with lots of new, path-breaking developments. The use of the robot arm in surgery is here to stay. In fact, surgical experts cite it as their preferred tool in complex surgeries. It could well become the norm for surgical treatments in the future.
For more information on robotic surgery and advanced treatment options for colorectal cancer, consult the specialists at Kauvery Hospital. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our expert team is dedicated to providing cutting-edge medical care tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you on your health journey.
What is colorectal cancer and how is it treated?
Colorectal cancer involves abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. Treatment usually requires removing these growths via surgery.
What are the benefits of robotic surgery for colorectal cancer?
Robotic surgery offers enhanced precision, minimizes invasiveness, reduces patient trauma, and speeds up recovery.
How does robotic surgery compare to open and laparoscopic surgery?
Open surgery uses large incisions, laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions with handheld tools, and robotic surgery uses a robotic arm for greater accuracy and control.
Why is good ergonomics for surgeons important?
When surgeons are comfortable and supported—like when seated at a console—their precision improves, leading to better patient outcomes.
Who is a good candidate for robotic colectomies?
Ideal candidates are patients with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or rectal prolapse, while those with extensive scar tissue may not be suitable.
What does the future hold for robotics in surgery?
Robotics is set to become the norm in complex surgeries, offering advanced tools for minimally invasive procedures and improved patient care.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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