When it comes to treating gastrointestinal cancer, people often think of complex surgeries involving large incisions and scars that last a lifetime. However, modern surgery has advanced so much that this is no longer the case.

One such advancement is robotic surgery, known for its minimally invasive nature. In this blog, we will compare robotic and traditional surgeries to help determine which is the best option for you.

You will get answers regarding which option to choose, along with the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Dr. Deep Goel, a respected gastrointestinal surgeon who specialises in both types of surgery, explains: “You should always be aware of the signs to watch for, including changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, and more. By recognising these symptoms early, individuals can seek timely medical advice, improving their chances of successful treatment.”

Robotic Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer

Robotic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer has gained importance over traditional surgery for several reasons, including:

• Minimally invasive
• Greater range of motion and ability to remove tumours
• Less painful
• Fewer scars
• Shorter recovery time
• Reduced hospital stay

Another reason people opt for robotic surgery is that it allows for quicker recovery, making it easier to begin other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to increase survival rates.

“I had robotic surgery for my colon cancer, and the recovery was so much quicker than I expected. I was back on my feet in no time, and the pain was minimal. The whole experience made me feel like I was in good hands.” — Rajesh Kumar (Dr. Deep’s Patient)

Who is the Best Candidate for Robotic Surgery?

While there are no specific criteria, some factors should be considered before opting for robotic surgery, including:

• Overall health: Patients should be in good health to endure any potential complications.
• Cancer stage: Robotic surgery is most commonly used for early-stage cancers, but it can be effective for more advanced stages depending on the patient’s condition and tumour location.

Dr. Deep also adds, “All surgeries that are performed using traditional methods can also be done using robotic surgery. In fact, the robotic method is often preferred.”

Traditional Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer

While robotic surgery has become more popular, traditional surgery is still important and commonly used, especially for complex or advanced cases. Traditional surgery involves open procedures where larger incisions are made to access and remove tumours from the digestive tract.

Advantages of Traditional Surgery

Despite some disadvantages, traditional surgery offers several key benefits:

• Complex cases: Ideal for complex cases where robotic surgery may not be effective in removing large tumours.
• Complete tumour resection: Traditional surgery provides a higher certainty of complete tumour removal.
• Multiple cancer stages: Traditional surgery is effective at all stages of cancer, regardless of severity.
• Candidacy: Patients who are not ideal candidates for robotic surgery, such as those with severe obesity or other health issues, often opt for traditional surgery.

Robotic vs. Traditional Surgery Comparison

Robotic Surgery Success Rates in Cancer Treatment

For gastrointestinal cancers, robotic surgery has shown high success rates, particularly for cancers in areas like the colon, rectum, esophagus, pancreas, and stomach. Here are the success rates for robotic surgery in various gastrointestinal cancers:

• Pancreatic Cancer: Robotic surgery has shown promising outcomes, especially for complex pancreaticoduodenectomies (Whipple procedures). Success rates for margin-negative resection are around 70-80%. The 5-year survival rate is about 20-30%, depending on tumour resectability and spread.
• Stomach Cancer: Robotic gastrectomy has success rates of 80-90% for complete tumour resection. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage gastric cancer is 60-70%, but prognosis decreases in advanced stages.
• Liver Cancer: Robotic liver resection has success rates of 90-95% for accessible tumours, with a 5-year survival rate of 50-70%.

Cost of Robotic Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery

• Robotic Surgery: INR 7,50,000 to INR 30,00,000 (USD 10,000 to USD 40,000+), depending on complexity and the hospital.
• Traditional Surgery: INR 5,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 (USD 7,000 to USD 25,000+).

Though robotic surgery is more expensive due to advanced technology, traditional surgery is typically more affordable upfront. However, costs can vary based on factors like the surgery type and healthcare provider.

Another one of Dr. Deep’s patients expressed his gratitude, saying, “I was initially concerned about the cost of robotic surgery, but after seeing the benefits in terms of recovery time and pain management, I realised it was worth every penny. I was back to my routine much faster, and the long-term outcomes have been amazing.”

Conclusion

The choice between robotic and traditional surgery for gastrointestinal cancer depends on the patient’s condition and cancer stage. Robotic surgery offers faster recovery, less pain, and greater precision, making it ideal for early-stage cancers, but it is more expensive. Traditional surgery, while more invasive, remains crucial for complex or advanced cases and is more affordable. The final decision should be made in consultation with a surgeon, considering the benefits and risks of each option for the best treatment outcome.

FAQs

1. How does robotic surgery improve the accuracy of tumour removal?

Robotic surgery provides enhanced 3D visualisation and precision, enabling surgeons to remove tumours with greater accuracy, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

2. Are there any long-term side effects of robotic surgery?

Long-term side effects are rare, but some patients may experience minor discomfort or slight anatomical changes, which are usually manageable.

3. How soon after robotic surgery can I resume normal activities?

Patients typically resume light activities within 1-2 weeks, with more strenuous activities allowed in 4-6 weeks, depending on recovery progress.

4. How do robotic surgeries compare in terms of cosmetic outcomes?

Robotic surgeries leave smaller, less noticeable scars compared to traditional surgeries, offering more aesthetically pleasing results.

5. What happens if robotic surgery is not successful?

In rare cases of failure, traditional surgery may be performed immediately to ensure proper treatment, with minimal impact on overall recovery.

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