Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) for colorectal conditions

Patient information factsheet

Overview of robotic assisted surgery

• Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) keyhole surgery is used to treat bowel (colorectal) conditions.
• It may be used for conditions such as:
  • Bowel cancer
  • Diverticular disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease.
• The Surgeon uses a robotic system to help with the procedure.
• The robot does not operate on its own — it is fully controlled by your Surgeon.
• Robotic surgery may help some patients recover faster after colorectal surgery
• It may also lower the chance of problems after the operation.

What is robotic assisted colorectal surgery?

During robotic colorectal surgery:

• Small cuts are made in your stomach area (abdomen)
• A camera and fine instruments are inserted into the stomach area
• The Surgeon controls the instruments from a control station nearby.

The robotic system helps the Surgeon to:

• See the area clearer (in high-definition 3D)
• Perform very precise movements
• Work more easily in small or deep areas of the pelvis.

This is particularly useful for bowel surgery.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery?

• Robotic colorectal surgery may offer:
  • Making smaller cuts (keyhole surgery)
  • Causing less pain after surgery
  • Reducing blood loss
  • Lowering the risk of some complications
  • Shortening hospital stay
  • Helping patients return to normal activities faster.
• Not all patients will experience all these benefits.
• Results can be different for each person, depending on your condition.

What are the risks?

• Your Surgeon will discuss your individual risks with you.
• All colorectal surgery carries risks, including:
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clots deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • Leakage from the bowel (anastomotic leak)
  • Damage to nearby organs.
• Specific to robotic surgery:
  • The procedure may need to be changed to standard keyhole or open surgery.
  • Rare problems with equipment or technology, which the surgical team will manage safely.
  • Your Surgeon will discuss your individual risks with you.

What is the treatment for your condition?

Treatment options depend on your condition and overall health. They might include:

Robotic assisted surgery

• Performed using a robotic system
• Done through small cuts using keyhole surgery technique.

Standard laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery

• Similar small cuts but without robotic assistance.

Open surgery

• Larger cut (incision)
• May be required depending on your condition

Your surgical team will discuss which option is best for you.

What happens on the day of surgery?

• You will be admitted to hospital.
• You will meet your Anaesthetist and surgical team.
• You will have a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep).
• The operation will take place using the robotic system.

What happens after surgery?

After your operation:

• You will go to the recovery area
• You may have:
  • A drip (IV fluids)
  • Pain relief medication
  • A urinary catheter (a thin tube placed into the bladder to drain urine during and shortly after surgery).
• You will be encouraged to:
  • Get out of bed early
  • Start eating and drinking as advised.

Your length of stay will depend on your recovery and the type of surgery.

Going home

Before you leave hospital:

• Your wounds will be checked.

You will receive advice on:

• Wound care
• Diet
• Activity

You will be told when to:

• Return to normal activity
• Attend follow-up appointments

When to seek medical advice

Contact your team or seek urgent help if you have:

• Increasing abdominal pain
• Fever or chills
• Redness or discharge from wounds
• Vomiting (being sick) or unable to eat
• Changes in bowel function (going for a poo) that worry you.

Get more information about colorectal surgery

• NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/
• Speak to your clinical team if you have any questions.

Contact our service

If you have any questions, please contact your surgical team:

Telephone: 020 7288 5406 / 020 7288 3434 / 020 7288 5309 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm).

Email: whh-tr.generalsurgery-colorectal@nhs.net