Robotic Colon Surgery in Austin, TX

The colon is a vital part of the gastrointestinal tract. It works around the clock to remove waste products from the body and reabsorb water. It is crucial for fluid and electrolyte balance and helps absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. However, people can live without the colon with some lifestyle changes and colostomies. Colon surgery may be needed for conditions like cancer, severe infections, blockages, or chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Robotic colon surgery is a revolutionary approach to treating various colon conditions, providing numerous benefits over traditional surgical methods. ATX Robotic Surgery in Austin, TX, specializes in utilizing advanced robotic technology for precise and minimally invasive colon surgeries with safe results and faster recovery. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care using the latest robotic technology.

Contact us now for advanced robotic colon surgery.

Why Choose ATX Robotic Surgery for Colon Resection

Choosing the right surgical care for your colon resection surgery ensures the best results. ATX Robotic Surgery offers several advantages, making us a preferred choice for patients requiring colon removal surgery.

• Increased Precision And Accuracy: Our advanced DaVinci Robotic System allows our skilled surgeons to perform colon resections with exceptional accuracy. The robotic arms make exact movements that human hands can’t achieve, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and ensuring only the diseased part of the colon is removed.
• Reduced Risk Of Complications: Robotic-assisted surgery minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of complications like infections and bleeding. The precise robotic system allows careful dissection and suturing, further lowering the risk of postoperative complications.
• Shorter Recovery Times: Patients who undergo robotic colon surgery usually recover faster than those with traditional open surgery. This minimally invasive procedure results in less pain, fewer complications, and a quicker return to normal activities, greatly enhancing patients’ recovery experience.
• Minimal Scarring: One of the most noticeable benefits of robotic-assisted surgery is the minimal scarring. The DaVinci robotic system uses small incisions, often just 1 cm long, instead of the large ones required for traditional surgery. This results in less visible scarring and a more cosmetically appealing.

For more information on colon and rectal surgery, please contact us and consult our specialists.

Types of Colon Surgery

Several types of colon surgeries can be performed to address various conditions affecting the colon.

• Colectomy: This procedure involves removing part or the entire colon. Depending on the extent of the disease, the surgery may be classified as a partial colectomy (removal of a segment of the colon) or a total colectomy (removal of the entire colon). This procedure is commonly performed to treat conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Colostomy: This colon surgery creates an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall for waste elimination. It is usually done when a part of the colon needs to be bypassed or removed. A colostomy can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying condition and the patient’s overall health. Patients with colostomies need to use a colostomy bag to collect waste.
• Proctocolectomy: Proctocolectomy is a colon rectal surgery in which both the colon and the rectum are operated on and removed. This procedure is often necessary for patients with severe inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, that affect the entire colon and rectum. After a proctocolectomy, patients may need a permanent ileostomy (an opening in the abdomen for waste elimination) or undergo a procedure to create an internal pouch for waste storage.

Our colon surgery doctors can help you understand the type of robotic colon resection surgery you need, depending on your condition.

Robotic-Assisted Colon Resection

Robotic colon resection surgery removes part of the colon. The basic steps of this colorectal surgery include:

1. Resection  – First, the surgeon must cut and remove (resect) the diseased part of the colon.
2. Taking Out – The piece of the unhealthy colon is taken out from your body through a small incision.
3. Reconnecting and Closing – The two ends of the colon are rejoined and closed.

DaVinci Robotic-Assisted Colorectal Surgery Procedure at ATX Robotic Surgery

The DaVinci robot system makes small incisions with minimal trauma to surrounding tissue. Its tools give our surgeons better talent and vision through small robot arms.

Our colon surgery specialists can control the robot, leading to more precise and efficient surgery. Small incisions about a centimeter in length replace large traditional incisions that are several inches long. This sort of surgery allows for less pain, a faster return of bowel function, and a shorter stay in the hospital. Robotic colon surgery can decrease hospital stay to 2 days from the typical 5-7 days using conventional approaches.

The Firefly System – The DaVinci robotic system has a fantastic feature called the “firefly.” This dye allows us to measure blood flow to tissues and organs. If something shows poor blood flow, our surgeons can make adjustments and help prevent a leak in the vein of colorectal surgery.

The decision to have colon surgery is a personal one. Take the time to contact ATX Robotic Surgery to learn more about the most advanced surgical procedures and Robotic-Assisted Surgery.

Why Get A Colon Resection?

Patients can undergo robotic colorectal surgery for many conditions, such as polyps, cancer, diverticulitis, colonic inertia, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or obstructions and twisting of the colon.

Your physician may recommend a colon resection surgery depending on the type of problem you are having and how severe it may be. Robotic colorectal resection is also a treatment option for Colon Cancer and Diverticular Disease.

Several different disease processes can affect the colon, and many of these may require surgery. Hearing you need colon surgery is difficult, and you may find yourself overwhelmed with information. Like any surgical procedure, robotic-assisted colon surgery comes with its own set of questions.

Indications for Colon Surgery

Colon surgery is necessary for several conditions, including but not limited to:

• Colon Cancer: Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Americans. A colon cancer surgery with robotic technology allows surgeons to safely remove the cancer and all lymph nodes using a minimally invasive approach. These high-tech tools allow for quicker recovery, and further treatment or therapies can be initiated much faster.
• Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of the diverticula (small pouches) that develops along the walls of the intestine. The causes of diverticulitis can be diet and genetics. Diverticula develop in weak places in the colon and give way under pressure, causing the pouches to protrude through the colon’s wall. If your physician has diagnosed you with diverticulitis, robotic colon surgery may be an option.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Severe cases that do not respond to medication may require surgical intervention. Surgery for IBD can involve removing the affected portion of the intestine, creating an ostomy (an opening on the abdomen for waste removal), or reconstructing the intestines to enhance function and improve quality of life.
• Intestinal Obstructions: Intestinal obstructions occur when the normal flow of contents through the intestine is blocked, resulting from causes like adhesions, tumors, or strictures. Symptoms include severe pain, vomiting, and difficulty passing stool or gas. Colon surgery is often necessary to remove the blockage and restore normal bowel function.
• Trauma to the Colon: Traumatic injuries to the colon can occur due to accidents, violence, or medical procedures. These injuries may necessitate surgical repair to prevent complications such as infection, bleeding, and perforation. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial to achieve the best possible outcome and prevent further damage to the colon and surrounding organs.

Speak with our colon surgery doctors for a thorough diagnosis and treatment of your condition.

Patient Experience

Post-Surgery Care & Recovery Process

The post-surgery care and recovery process is critical, ensuring successful outcomes following colon resection surgery. ATX Robotic Surgery provides comprehensive care and support to help our patients safely recover in a few days.

• Immediate Post-operative Care: After the colon surgery, patients are closely monitored in the recovery room to ensure they are stable and comfortable. Vital signs are checked regularly, and pain management is administered as necessary. Patients are encouraged to begin moving as soon as possible to enhance circulation and minimize the risk of complications.
• Hospital Stay and Monitoring: Patients undergoing robotic colon surgery typically have a shorter hospital stay than those undergoing traditional open surgery, often lasting 2-3 days. Patients are closely monitored for signs of infection, bleeding, and other potential complications during this period. Nurses and doctors provide continuous care and support to facilitate a smooth recovery.
• Pain Management: Effective pain management is essential for ensuring a comfortable recovery. Our team employs a variety of medications and techniques to control pain and reduce discomfort. This can involve oral pain relievers, intravenous medications, and localized pain management methods.
• Wound Care and Management of the Surgical Site: Proper wound care is crucial for preventing infection and supporting healing. Patients receive detailed instructions on how to care for their incisions, which include keeping the area clean and dry, recognizing signs of infection, and avoiding activities that could strain the surgical site.
• Diet and Nutrition Post-surgery: Nutrition plays an important part in recovery. Initially, patients may start with a clear liquid diet to support digestive system healing. Over time, soft foods are reintroduced, followed by a return to regular foods. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is recommended to support healing and overall health.

RECOVERY

• Expected Recovery Timeline: The recovery timeline for robotic colon surgery varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, although full recovery may take several months. Regular follow-up consultations are scheduled to check progress and resolve any concerns.
• Physical Activity and Restrictions: Patients should refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks after colon and rectal surgery. Light activities like walking are encouraged to enhance circulation and assist recovery. Specific activity restrictions will be there based on the patient’s condition and recovery progress.
• Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure the patient is healing properly and to monitor for potential complications. During these appointments, the surgeon evaluates the surgical site, reviews the patient’s progress, and addresses any questions or concerns.
• Signs of Complication: Patients are instructed to monitor for signs of complications, such as fever, worsening pain, redness or discharge from the incision, and changes in bowel movements. If any of these symptoms occur, seeking prompt medical attention is important.

Begin your journey to recovery with the experts at ATX Robotic Surgery. We use the Da Vinci robotic technology, an essential medical technology for precise colon surgeries. Our dedicated surgeons support you at every step, ensuring you receive personalized care for your needs.  Consult our specialists and discover our advanced surgical options. Book your appointment now!

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