Robotic and laparoscopic surgery both have the benefit of being less invasive than traditional surgery, especially for a colorectal condition. However, which one is better? And is there a way to determine which will be more suitable for you?
Boca Care Surgical Associates offers the latest technology and care for patients who need colon and rectal surgery. Our provider, Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is highly skilled in providing patients with the best treatment for their specific needs and situation. In short, you’re in good hands.
First, you should know that both robotic and laparoscopic surgery have been adopted in instances where open surgery used to be the norm. Open surgery requires larger, more invasive incisions, which also means the patient will require longer recovery times. In addition, open surgery leaves patients more vulnerable to infection and other possible side effects of surgery.
Both laparoscopic and robotic surgery severely minimize the likelihood of these issues. These procedures require fewer incisions, resulting in shorter healing times and a lower risk of complications. Every year, patients see the benefits of these procedures across myriad surgical interventions.
There is one major difference between laparoscopic and robotic surgery. The former requires the provider to use their own hands to perform the procedure, while robotic surgery uses instruments controlled from outside. These instruments can be viewed with a highly sophisticated camera as the provider performs the surgery.
It’s often believed that one type of treatment is somehow superior to another, but the truth is, every patient is different. Some may be more suited to robotic surgery while others may be better served by laparoscopic surgery. The important thing to remember is that studies have shown there is no inherent inferiority of one over the other.
It's often said that robotic surgery is used when the patient requires more complex surgery, but that isn’t always true. In general, robotic surgery can allow the provider to more easily control instruments when delicate work is required. As such, if you are dealing with a complex colorectal condition, robotic surgery might be beneficial.
But many factors can go into choosing one type of surgical intervention over another, including the patient’s tolerance for the intervention, the complexity of the condition, and more. Even within the world of treating colorectal conditions, certain surgical procedures were found to be more effective for certain colorectal cancer diagnoses.
The treatment a patient receives depends on the situation and the patient’s specific needs, but most often it comes down to the surgeon’s opinion of which treatment will be best. Your provider will be able to determine the best option for you based on your needs.
When you see your provider for colorectal surgery, it can be helpful to discuss with them the specifics of your condition and your feelings on robotic vs. laparoscopic surgery. This can allow you to ask any questions, no matter how silly you think they might be, and to better understand your condition and its treatment, which will help put you at ease.
Perhaps you’re nervous about the surgery being performed robotically, but your provider will be able to reassure you that they are always in control. However, you may have heard that robotic surgery is more precise and therefore better, but your provider may let you know that the simplicity of your condition may not require it.
Whatever the case, make sure you have this conversation. In it, you’ll be able to sit down with your provider and find out exactly how these options suit your condition, which is the most important piece of the puzzle.
Many people receive surgical intervention for colorectal problems every year. This could truly change your life, from providing you with more comfort to helping you put cancer in the rearview mirror. But first, you’ll need to visit with us and discuss your condition.
Our Boca Raton, Florida, office is seeing patients now. Call or make an appointment online to learn more.
