Colorectal cancer was among the top reasons for cancer-related deaths (51,869) in the United States in 2020. In terms of the prevalence of colorectal cancer by sex, it is more common in males than females. Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the colon and rectum, components of the GI tract (small intestine). If you are anywhere around Dallas and experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding and abrupt changes in bowel movement, it is highly advisable to consult the top colorectal surgeons in Dallas. When it comes to surgical procedures to treat colorectal cancer, several new advancements are emerging on the scene. In this blog, we discuss the top three surgical advancements to treat colorectal cancer.
Laparoscopy
There is no denying that laparoscopy has proved to be a game-changer as a surgical procedure. This is a minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen or pelvis and views inside the body with the help of a camera mounted on a slender tool. The small incisions are also used by the surgeons to create ports and insert tubes allowing a seamless transport of surgical instruments inside the body without creating major cuts or scars. Recent studies have shown that laparoscopic procedures are a good option for patients experiencing stage II or III colon cancer. Minimal intraoperative blood loss and reduced postoperative complications make laparoscopy the leading surgical option among surgeons. According to the reports, laparoscopic surgery is a reasonably structured methodology for treating colon cancer, even when Complete Mesocolic Excision (CME) or D3 lymph node dissection is performed. When it comes to performing colon surgeries on patients aged over 80 years, the laparoscopic methods are effective in limiting overall morbidity by prospective multicenter analysis. The best colorectal surgeons in Dallas or anywhere else nowadays recommend laparoscopic procedures as a safe procedure.
Robotic surgery
Another surgical advancement in treating colorectal cancer are robotic surgeries. Even with a surgeon’s rich experience and vast knowledge, there is still no denying that the precision achieved with robotic arms in surgeries is way better than what surgeons can offer when dealing with the fine intricacies of complex tissues. Computer-guided robotic arms help in error-free, seamless execution of surgeries resulting in reduced risks of perioperative (during operation) complications. Recent studies have shown that robot-aided surgeries also present benefits like reduced hospital stay, minimal perioperative bleeding, and less postoperative complications for patients of all age groups. In a recent study, a retrospective analysis was done on a prospectively maintained database that included 20 robotic surgery cases and 40 laparoscopic surgery cases for rectal cancer to determine the total mesorectal excision (TME) rate, in which, the robotic surgery was observed to offer a better quality in TME. When getting treatment for colorectal cancer, choose leading colorectal surgeons in Dallas housing extensive facilities for performing robotic surgeries.
Transanal TME
After its introduction in 2010, Transanal TME (TaTME) is now one of the most promising surgical procedures for low rectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that TaTME can provide a higher-quality respected specimen in patients with low-grade rectal cancer than the transabdominal procedure. According to the same studies, TaTME offered effective results in terms of perioperative bleeding, shorter operation time, morbid postoperative complications such as low rates of anastomosis leakage, and shorter hospital stays. It is important to point out here that this surgical procedure is still very new. Adverse outcomes in a lot of studies and inadequate adherence to its guidelines for its proper conduct has made it not the most reliable procedures for treating colorectal cancers yet. This is why it is very important to discuss the side effects associated with whichever surgery you choose when consulting colorectal surgeons in Fort Worth.
Final Word
These were some of the advancements that are strengthening the fight against colorectal cancer. Though these surgical advancements have shown majorly positive outcomes in providing a minimally invasive surgical experience, it is also no denying the fact that thorough research is still required to assess the impacts of some of these surgeries on different age groups and stages of cancer. When it comes to undergoing colorectal surgery, a detailed health evaluation and diagnostic tests are required to understand the nature (metastasis or benign) and the level (stage) of cancer developing in the rectal region. That’s why it is advisable to consult an experienced surgeon nearby. If you are in and around Dallas, consult a DFW colorectal surgeon that offers a comprehensive in-house surgical facility and a skilled medical staff to deliver error-free results.