Laparoscopic Surgery or Robotic surgery for colorectal cancer

Colon cancer i.e.; cancer of large intestine or rectum is a common type of cancer. Luckily, this disease responds very well to treatment and even in advanced stages treatment options do exist. While surgery, particularly laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is as effective as open surgery, it helps the patients to recover well and get back to their normal life quickly.

Its true that there is gross increase in the number of new cases of colorectal cancer Nationwide particularly in Kerala. Similar high incidence is reported in North-Eastern states as well. It is seen throughout major hospitals in the state too. Its difficult to estimate the actual increase in percentage due to lack of audited data. Apparently the case numbers are more by 20-25%.

Treatment of colorectal cancer:

While surgery is the main stay of treatment in early stages, patient might require chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well according the stage of the disease. Surgery can be done Laparoscopically or using robotic surgery.

The advantages of these approaches are

• Less pain after operation.
• Less tissue trauma and hence healing time is reduced
• Early ambulation and quick recovery
• Early return of bowel functions
• Early return to work and social life
• Potential for starting early adjuvant therapy

In both laparoscopy and robotic technique, the affected portion of the large intestine or rectum is removed with a wide margin and all the draining lymph nodes to which it can potentially spread is resected radically. The bowel is divided within using laparoscopic staples and rejoined and the specimen is retrieved through a small incision for the pathology examination.