Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures for Colorectal Surgery

Using the most technologically sophisticated equipment, our surgeons perform a wide range of colorectal procedures using minimally invasive techniques, which may result in the following benefits:

• Decreased pain after surgery
• Less blood loss
• Lower chance of infection
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery time
• Enhanced quality of life after surgery
• Less chance of developing a hernia after surgery

The minimally invasive approaches used by UH colorectal surgeons include:

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

Also called single port laparoscopic surgery (SPL), this relatively new minimally invasive surgical approach allows the surgeon to operate through a single entry point, leaving only one small scar. The colorectal surgeons at University Hospitals have perfected this technique and can offer more patients this surgical option that can result in a faster recovery and better outcome.

Minimally Invasive Transanal Surgery

These minimally invasive techniques use specially designed instruments to operate on the mid and upper rectum through the anal opening instead of through an abdominal incision, leading to less pain and blood loss and shorter recovery times.

• Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TaMIS) – This procedure allows for the safe and effective removal of polyps or early cancers from the rectum through the anus (no incisions).
• Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) – Also known as “bottom-up” surgery, taTME is an emerging surgical technique for mid and low rectal cancer. Using minimally invasive technology, taTME removes both the tumor and a significant length of the bowel around the tumor and may reduce the recurrence of rectal cancers in some patients. This approach allows the surgeon the best opportunity to leave the anus intact and functional, meaning the patient may not need a colostomy bag after surgery.

Robotic Surgery

For some procedures, the use of robotic technology may be a helpful tool. At University Hospitals, we have surgeons with advanced training in the use of the da Vinci^® Surgical System – a state-of-the-art robotic platform that enables surgeons to perform complex and intricate procedures through very small incisions, which often results in less scarring, pain and blood loss for the patient.