Open Colorectal Surgery
When medication, lifestyle changes and other non-surgical treatments cannot relieve symptoms, surgery is the accepted treatment for a broad range of conditions. Surgery can be a scary proposition for a patient, no matter how routine the procedure. If surgery is recommended, you want to learn as much as you can about your surgical options and find the physician and hospital that are right for you.
Traditional open colorectal surgery, using a large incision for access to the colon and surrounding anatomy, has for many years been the standard approach to many colorectal surgery procedures. Yet with open surgery can come significant pain, trauma, a long recovery process and threat to surrounding organs and nerves. For people facing colorectal surgery, the period of pain, discomfort and extended time away from normal daily activities that usually follows traditional surgery can understandably cause significant anxiety.
While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.