March was officially declared National Colon Cancer Awareness Month in the year 2000 and since then it has been a time when people come together to raise awareness about the disease. The fight against colon cancer has come a long way, especially in the field of colon surgery. While in the past a diagnosis of colon cancer resulted in death in very many instances, the advances in the field of colon surgery have turned the odds around significantly.
Apart from colon cancer, other reasons for undergoing colon surgery include colon polyps or strictures, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticulitis which is the outpouching of the colonthat gets infected. Although diverticulitis and colon cancer may present initially with similar symptoms, they are very different diseases and a CT scan can provide an accurate diagnosis in most cases. Colon surgery is indicated in the treatment of diverticulitis if there is obstruction, spread of infection, rupture of the pouch, or repeated bleeding.
With improvements in laparoscopic and robotic technology, the role of minimally invasive colon surgery has become more refined. It has been used successfully in removal of parts of the colon and rectum, while persevering healthy tissue. Using robotic systems allows increased visualization, dexterity, and precise dissecting ability. All this translates to less pain and discomfort, minimal blood loss, lower risk of complications, faster recovery, and return to activities of daily living.
With the surgeon at the driver’s seat of innovation furthering the cause of improved patient care, and the exponential growth of cutting edge technology, laparoscopic and especially robotic surgery have already begun to revolutionize the field of colon surgery.
Dr. Marc Zaré specializes in minimally invasive surgery and believes that modern surgery should be innovative, non-invasive, and patient-centered. His mission is to provide every patient compassionate surgical care based on sound scientific evidence. With more than 15 years of experience in clinical practice, Dr. Zaré is considered to be a leader and one of the foremost experts of his field in Northern California. He is recognized for his surgical skills, clinical expertise, and superior outcomes.
