For patients with colorectal (colon) cancer, the prospect of undergoing surgery to remove a tumour from the large intestine (colectomy) can understandably cause fear and anxiety about large surgical wounds and a lengthy recovery. However, in certain cases, colectomy can be performed using robotic technology, such as da Vinci Xi Robotic-Assisted Surgery, with smaller incisions, more precise tumour dissection, and the potential for faster recovery.
According to dr Errawan Ramawitana Wiradisuria, Sp.B-KBD, M.Kes from Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, robotic surgery does not mean that the procedure is performed automatically by a robot. “In colon cancer surgery, the primary goal remains to remove the part of the intestine affected by cancer, along with the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes, while also paying attention to the margins of the tissue being removed. The use of robotic technology is one approach that can help doctors perform the procedure in a more controlled manner. It also provides tremor filtration for the operator, but its application is still adjusted according to each patient’s condition and needs,” explained dr Errawan.
He continued, “During the procedure, doctors are assisted by a robot through 3D camera visualisation, which provides a clearer view of the surgical area, while robotic instruments allow doctors to perform stable and flexible movements. These capabilities can assist doctors when working in confined areas and carefully separating tissue around structures that need to be preserved, such as blood vessels and the tissue surrounding the intestine,” said dr Errawan.
For patients, the use of robotic technology allows colectomy to be performed using a minimally invasive approach with several small incisions. This approach can help reduce trauma to the tissue surrounding the surgical area and support the recovery process following the procedure. Nevertheless, surgical outcomes are still influenced by the characteristics (stage) of the cancer, the patient’s condition, and the complexity of the procedure.
However, the use of robotic technology for colectomy needs to be tailored to each patient’s condition and needs. “Doctors will consider the characteristics, location and size of the tumour, the stage of the cancer, the patient’s condition, and the complexity of the procedure. In cases where the cancer has spread extensively or involves surrounding organs, open surgery may be a more appropriate option,” explained dr Errawan.
Advances in surgical technology are enabling an increasing number of complex procedures to be performed using minimally invasive techniques, including colectomy. Accurate detection and diagnosis help doctors determine the appropriate treatment according to each patient’s condition. The Gastrohepatology Center at Mayapada Hospital provides comprehensive services for managing various digestive tract disorders, supported by a multidisciplinary team covering everything from early detection and diagnosis to treatment. Further treatment using da Vinci Xi Robotic-Assisted Surgery is also available at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan to support more precise and targeted surgical procedures based on patients’ needs. The robotic technology also complements the services of the Oncology Center at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, particularly in supporting surgical treatment for various cancer cases, alongside a multidisciplinary team of doctors.
Patients can consult doctors at Mayapada Hospital about cancer treatment options based on their individual condition by scheduling a consultation through the Call Centre at 150770 or WhatsApp at 0817-17-150770. In the event of a medical emergency, patients can contact the Emergency Call at 150990 or use the emergency call button on the MyCare app. The app also provides a Personal Health feature to help monitor fitness, including heart rate, number of steps, calories burned and Body Mass Index (BMI).