Dr. Mark Zhao, a colorectal surgeon at UCSF Health, discussed advances in minimally invasive surgery for patients with rectal cancer. He explained how carefully selected patients with large benign rectal polyps or early rectal cancers may be candidates for transanal minimally invasive surgery, or TAMIS.
This approach preserves rectal and anorectal function while avoiding abdominal incisions and often allowing same-day discharge. Dr. Zhao also discussed the da Vinci SP single-port robotic platform, which his team at UCSF has been involved in developing and evaluating since its early stages.
Early referral is key to keeping these options available for patients, according to Dr. Zhao. Patients may lose the opportunity for local excision options as lesions become larger or more advanced.
The TAMIS procedure allows surgeons to preserve rectal and anorectal function while avoiding abdominal incisions and the consequences of abdominal surgery. This results in less pain and faster recovery, and often allows for same-day discharge.
The da Vinci SP single-port robotic platform is another example of how minimally invasive options are expanding for patients. For carefully selected patients, it allows surgeons to perform surgery through a single incision while maintaining the same oncologic principles as conventional minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Zhao’s group has been involved in the early development and clinical evaluation of the single-port robot, giving them substantial experience with the technology and patient selection. The priority in cancer surgery is getting the cancer out, but using minimal trauma allows for faster recovery.
Dr. Zhao noted that the single-port platform is not a replacement for conventional minimally invasive surgery, but rather an additional option for carefully selected patients. He emphasized the importance of careful patient selection and evaluation to determine the best approach for each individual.
The development of new technologies like the da Vinci SP single-port robotic platform is expanding options for patients with rectal cancer.
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