Better surgical treatments for those with colon cancer

While colon cancer has historically been a difficult-to-battle disease, the growing adoption of robotic surgery makes it easier for surgeons to provide more targeted treatment of the disease.

We spoke with Andrew Kassir, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon and independent member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff, who discussed the increasing use of robotic colon cancer surgery, what to expect, who is a candidate, and how this procedure may benefit you. Dr. Kassir has worked in the field of colon cancer for more than 25 years.

What patients need to know

According to Dr. Kassir, robotic surgery represents a fantastic leap in the advancement of colon cancer surgery, but there are some things you should know. 

1. Not all patients qualify. While every patient is a potential candidate for robotic surgery, not all tumors allow for robotic removal. The unqualified rate is relatively small (less than 2-3%), but keep in mind that some cancer growths require the use of traditional techniques.
2. The method is relatively new. According to Dr. Kassir, it takes extensive training to learn robotic surgery techniques – approximately 30 procedures to become efficient and 50 to become highly skilled. Because of this, few surgeons are trained in this technique. Dr Kassir has done over 800 robotic surgery cases.
3. Travel may be required. While robotic surgery is available in larger cities, growth is starting to take off in rural areas. Dr. Kassir reports that while the adoption rate for the technique five years ago was roughly 5%, it has grown to approximately 25-30% today.

What to expect from robotic colon cancer surgery

If you have colon cancer and are identified as a viable candidate for robotic colon cancer surgery, your doctor will sit with you to explain your diagnosis and what to expect for the surgery. It's important that you get all your questions answered, so you can feel empowered and well informed.

1. It is the same treatment, but with less pain. While robotic surgery still involves removing a piece of the colon, the pain associated with the procedure is reduced due to the less-invasive approach.
2. Expect fewer inconveniences. Patients who undergo robotic surgery also see faster recovery times, allowing them to be able to eat sooner and to experience less bleeding.
3. Precision is the biggest benefit. Robotic surgery offers a smaller risk of colostomy and makes it easier for doctors to identify and avoid cutting small nerves, which can affect sexual or urinary function after surgery.

"Education is important," says Dr. Kassir. "If patients hear or read about things, they should ask their doctor to see if it is something for them."