Like many fields of healthcare, colon surgery has seen key transformations in recent years. One of the most important movements has been away from open surgery and towards laparoscopic surgery. Minimally Invasive Surgery Minimally invasive techniques have become the preferred surgical method for many surgeons. They often opt to enter the patient’s body through natural orifices and make small incisions. This quickens the patient’s recovery time because the surgeon doesn’t have to cut through as much muscle and tissue. This technique also reduces scarring. Colon Surgery One example of minimally invasive surgery in the field is surgery for colorectal cancer. Instead of open surgery, surgeons now use an advanced form of laparoscopy and new techniques. This improves short term recovery. Patients do not need to stay in the hospital as long, suffer from less blood loss, less pain, and fewer wound complications. This new method has become the standard worldwide. Surgeons also use minimally invasive techniques during robotic suture rectopexy for rectal prolapse, or during transanal endoscopic microsurgery to remove local rectal lesions. Current Robotic Systems Although laparoscopic surgery is normally a superior option to open surgery, the method still has its shortcomings. Its limitations include loss of binocular vision, exaggerated movements, and difficulty moving surgical instruments. The da Vinci robotic system was developed to overcome these drawbacks. The device features 3D imaging, improved ergonomics, and helps alleviate any hand tremors. Continue reading at http://drchristianhirsch.org/recent-movements-in-colorectal-surgery/