Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., affecting both women and men. Piedmont Colorectal Associates are leaders of colon cancer treatment for men and women throughout the Greater Atlanta, GA area using state-of-the-art technology and techniques based on each patient’s unique condition. When properly diagnosed, colon cancer can be treated effectively with colon cancer surgery. At Piedmont Colorectal Associates, our proctologists can diagnose and treat patients throughout Atlanta, GA suffering from colon cancer.
In most cases, surgery is required to achieve a complete cure for colon cancer. Colon cancer surgery involves removing the portion of colon containing cancer along with the draining lymph nodes nearby.
How is colon cancer treated?
Treatment for colon cancer by our colon cancer surgeons in Atlanta depends on the size of the tumor and the stage of the cancer. When cancer is completely contained within small polyps, treatment may consist of polyp removal and evaluation, followed by regular monitoring. Larger polyps can be removed with minimally invasive procedures using a special instrument called a laparoscope, which is designed to be used with very small incisions. Larger tumors including those that have metastasized (invaded areas beyond the bowel) will need more extensive surgery to remove the tumor and usually part of the colon as well. Additional tissue may also need to be removed. Radiation or chemotherapy (or both) are often recommended by our colon cancer specialists in Atlanta following more extensive surgery to help destroy cancer cells elsewhere in the body.
da Vinci®Colon Surgery (Colectomy)
Common conditions that may affect your colon include: diverticulitis, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. If you have one of these conditions, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove all or part of your colon. This surgery is called a colectomy.
A colectomy may be done with open surgery through one large incision (cut). It can also be done with minimally invasive surgery through a few small incisions using traditional laparoscopy or da Vinci Surgery.
Why da Vinci® Surgery?
The da Vinci System is a robotic-assisted surgical device that your surgeon is 100% in control of at all times. The da Vinci System gives surgeons a 3D HD view inside your body, tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand, and enhanced vision, precision and control.
da Vinci Colectomy offers the following potential benefits compared to traditional laparoscopy:
- Lower blood loss 1,2
- Quicker return of bowel function 1,3
- Lower rate of complications 1,4,5
- Shorter hospital stay 1,4
- Small incisions for minimal scarring
The da Vinci System has brought minimally invasive surgery to more than 3 million patients worldwide. da Vinci technology – changing the experience of surgery for people around the world.
Risks and Considerations Related to Bowel Resection and Other Colorectal Procedures (removal of all/part of the intestine): leaking and/or narrowing at the spot where two sections of bowel were reconnected, colorectal or anal dysfunction (cannot empty bowel, frequent bowel movements, leakage or constipation).
- Chang Y, Wang J, Chang D. A meta-analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic colectomy. Journal of Surgical Research. 2015;195(2):465-474. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2015.01.026.
- Rondelli F, Balzarotti R, Villa F et al. Is robot-assisted laparoscopic right colectomy more effective than the conventional laparoscopic procedure? A meta-analysis of short-term outcomes. International Journal of Surgery. 2015;18:75-82. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.04.044.
- Zarak A, Castillo A, Kichler K, de la Cruz L, Tamariz L, Kaza S. Robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for colonic disease: a meta-analysis of postoperative variables. Surgical Endoscopy. 2015;29(6):1341-1347. doi:10.1007/s00464-015-4197-7.
- Altieri M, Yang J, Telem D et al. Robotic approaches may offer benefit in colorectal procedures, more controversial in other areas: a review of 168,248 cases. Surgical Endoscopy. 2015;30(3):925-933. doi:10.1007/s00464-015-4327-2.
- Lorenzon L, Bini F, Balducci G, Ferri M, Salvi P, Marinozzi F. Laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted colectomy and rectal resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Colorectal Disease. 2015;31(2):161-173. doi:10.1007/s00384-015-2394-4.
PN 1002198 Rev C 10/2016
Important Safety Information
Serious complications may occur in any surgery, including da Vinci® Surgery, up to and including death. Individual surgical results may vary. Patients should talk to their doctor to decide if da Vinci Surgery is right for them. Patients and doctors should review all available information on non-surgical and surgical options in order to make an informed decision.
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This website does not provide medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
The materials on this website are for general educational information only. Information you read on this website cannot replace the relationship that you have with your healthcare professional. Intuitive Surgical does not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice and the information on this website should not be considered medical advice. You should always talk to your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Health information changes quickly. Therefore, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
If you have questions about the da Vinci® Surgical System or about surgical procedures conducted with the da Vinci Surgical System, consult a surgeon that has experience with the da Vinci Surgical System. A list of surgeons that have experience with the da Vinci Surgical System can be found in the Surgeon Locator.
Have you been diagnosed with colon cancer in the Atlanta GA area and are looking for a colon cancer specialist? Contact our office today!