Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer

Robotic surgery is one of the latest advances in rectal cancer treatment available at Moffitt Cancer Center. Offering a higher level of precision and better visualization of the surgical site than traditional surgery, robotic surgery is a potential option for improving a patient’s outcome and quality of life.

Moffitt’s rectal cancer surgeons use the da Vinci® Surgery System for several types of surgery, including low anterior resections and abdominoperineal resections. Performing hundreds of procedures each year, Moffitt’s surgeons have the extensive experience necessary to conduct robotic surgery when indicated by a patent’s diagnosis and medical history.

As compared to traditional surgery, rectal surgery performed with the da Vinci Surgery System can lead to less pain and blood loss as well as a shorter hospital stay. And, because the robotic version of the procedure involves smaller incisions than the traditional version, many patients have less scarring and better aesthetic outcomes after their surgery.

Rectal cancer surgery can also be performed using minimally invasive techniques but without robotic assistance, although when compared to these procedures, da Vinci robotic surgery can offer:

• A lower likelihood of conversion (a situation in which it becomes necessary for a surgeon to switch to an open surgical approach mid-procedure)
• A faster recovery from surgery

However, robotic surgery is not the right choice in every situation. Moffitt’s team is committed to helping our patients select the treatments that are most appropriate for their unique needs.

For more information about robotic rectal surgery at Moffitt Cancer Center, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. You are welcome to contact us with or without a physician’s referral.