The “Best Robotic Colorectal Surgeon” in Houston, TX

Ten years ago when a patient had to undergo colorectal surgery, it meant significant scarring and longer recovery time. Today, patients have another choice: robotic colorectal surgery. This laparoscopic procedure has become even more refined as technological advances in robotics have led to the next generation, the da Vinci Xi. With Dr. Brian Harkins mastering the art of laparoscopic surgery, he ensures that each and every patient receives the very best possible care. With his skills being extremely advanced, Dr. Harkins is able to not only share his knowledge but to also train other colorectal surgeon.

Common Ailments Treated using Robotic Colorectal Surgery

There are several ailments that can cause and is recommended for robotic colorectal surgery, ailments such as Crohn’s Disease, colorectal cancer, colonic inertia, polyps, rectal diverticulitis, stricture of the colon, and ulcerative colitis. Patients living with one or more of these ailments may need to have a portion or sometimes the entire colon removed, in a procedure called colectomy. Colonic resections are also common procedures performed using robotic colorectal surgery.

Advantages of Robotic Colorectal Surgery

There has been a great deal of research completed to determine whether minimally invasive robotic colorectal surgery yields better patient outcomes than laparoscopic procedures. One study published in the peer-reviewed journal, PLOS ONE, reviewed surgical perimeters for resection surgeries and outcomes to determine how the two procedures compared. The results showed that in robotic colorectal surgeries, patient outcomes were better. Researchers also determined that the robotic surgeries resulted in faster bowel function recovery, less blood loss during the procedure and shorter hospital stays. Additionally, patients suffered fewer postoperative complications and had fewer wound infections.

Clearly, the newer robotic colorectal surgery is better for the patient’s health, so even though it costs a bit more and averages longer surgical times, it is definitely the smarter option. Healing from traditional and laparoscopic procedures takes longer, which can increase the risk of postoperative complications. The faster the patient can heal and get bowels functioning, the better the overall outcome.

Robotic surgery is rapidly becoming the preferred method among surgeons and patients. Another advantage that robotic surgery has over traditional surgery or laparoscopic methods is that it allows colorectal surgeons to navigate the complicated structures of the pelvic region with greater ease and precision. Compared to the open and laparoscopic surgical approaches, the robotic technique is by far the least invasive.

Robotic-assisted rectal surgeries have many advantages over other types of rectal surgeries as noted in Nature. For example, using robotic surgery surgeons’ dexterity and ambidexterity is increased, eliminating tremors which can cause problems during open surgery. Surgeons also use 3D imaging to guide the surgery with precision. These advantages, combined with a short learning curve and the ability to use motion scaling, are leading more colorectal surgeons to embrace robotic-assisted rectal and colon surgeries.

Robotic Colorectal Surgery and Cancer

Colorectal cancer can be prevented with proper screening and polyp removal. Polyps are clusters of cells that are often harmless but can develop into cancer. One of the reasons colorectal cancer is so deadly is that there are generally no noticeable symptoms, but by the time the patient begins to feel as though something doesn’t feel right, cancer has already advanced to late stages, which are difficult to treat. These types of cancers are most prevalent in patients over 50, especially in those who have a family history of colon cancer.

Because polyps can become cancerous, the most effective method of treatment is to use the minimally invasive da Vinci Xi robot to assist in removing the polyps as soon as they are discovered. Having a regular colonoscopy done in a clinic setting is the best option for screening, which is the most effective weapon in the arsenal against colorectal cancer.

When the polyp has progressed to a tumor stage, a colorectal surgeon may recommend resection. Opting for robotic surgery allows the surgeon to perform the colon resection with greater precision. Surgical clinics offering the latest in robot-assisted surgery for colon and rectal problems should be using the most up to date robotic system, da Vinci Xi. The best colorectal surgeons use the da Vinci Xi to ensure patients a shorter recovery time with fewer complications, enabling them to get back to a regular routine which is important.

Why Patients Choose Robotic Colorectal Surgery

For many patients, taking an extended leave to heal from surgery is not an option, while some simply don’t want to take time off. There are other patients that also don’t want the rhythm of their lives disrupted, so getting back to a routine quickly is a top priority.

Having a hospital stay of only a couple of days instead of nine or even ten has both doctors and patients embracing the robotic-assisted surgery. Patients having colorectal robotic surgery enjoy a faster return of regular bodily functions, fewer complications and a quicker return to normal diet compared to traditional open surgery. No one wishes to have a longer recovery, yet traditional open rectal and colon surgeries are still being done. Opting for a surgical clinic offering advanced robotic surgery for colon and rectal procedures allows patients to get back to their normal routines much faster.

The Future of Robotic Colorectal Surgery

As more colorectal surgeons are trained in the technique of minimally invasive robotic colorectal surgery, and surgeries continue to speed recovery and reduce complications, robotic colorectal surgery will become the norm. The da Vinci Xi is the third-generation robot that is improving quality and outcomes of colon and rectal surgery due to robotic technology advances. Each new evolution was thought to be the best it could be for minimally invasive colorectal surgery, yet the da Vinci Xi proved the technology could improve. As perfection is difficult to achieve, having room for improvement leaves room for speculation as to what the next generation will bring to colon and rectal surgery for cancer. Whatever evolution occurs, it is certain to only improve patient outcome after an assisted robotic colorectal surgical procedure, such as resection.

Schedule a Consultation

When a patient is told robotic colorectal surgery is recommended, selecting a surgeon can seem to be an insurmountable task. Each practicing surgeon possess certificates, diplomas and a standard set of credentials that let the patient know they are allowed to perform colon and rectal surgery. Dr. Brian Harkins trained to do colon and rectal surgery as a general surgeon and is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. Finding the right robotic colorectal surgeon should include an office consultation to discuss how a robot-assisted surgery is the best of all approaches to colon and rectal surgery. During this consultation, the surgeon will go over the condition, what type of surgery is recommended and what to expect going in and coming out. Patients will learn about the surgical clinic for minimally invasive robotic colon and rectal surgery.

Patients looking for the most skilled robotic colorectal surgeon are looking for Dr. Brian Harkins. His passion has driven him to the top of his field, training other surgeons in the technique. He is constantly honing his skills, ensuring his patients receive the very best care when seeking robotic surgery for colon and rectal issues.