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Surgery. Robotics or old school?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/22/2015 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
I am in the process of getting my ducks in a row for j pouch surgery for my UC. I have already met with one surgeon twice, now. He recommends that I also speak with a robotics surgeon. My question for the group is what are your takes on robotics surgery verses the old school way? The surgeon I spoke to is very knowledgeable and straight forward and has done this for years and has had success, not sure about robotics surgeon; I know he's younger. I've watched videos and it's a little scary. And by a little scary I mean terrifying. Thank you for input.

Diagnosed with moderate to severe pan colitis October 2014. Hospitalized twice. Prednisone. Apriso. Remicade. Humira. Iron pills.
Posted 10/22/2015 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
From what I've heard, the robot surgery results in a quicker recovery time and less and smaller scars than the traditional surgeries do. It's worth considering. Here's a post by someone who had a robotic jpouch surgery earlier this year and his/her experience:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=3310616
Posted 10/22/2015 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Mayo clinic has a good page about robotic surgery. Citing these as advantages

Often, robotic surgery makes minimally invasive surgery possible. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:

Fewer complications, such as surgical site infection
Less pain and blood loss
Quicker recovery
Smaller, less noticeable scars

Source:
www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robotic-surgery/basics/definition/prc-20013988
Posted 10/22/2015 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
I asked my surgeon about the robotic assisted surgery and he didn't seem too thrilled with the idea. I guess it's possible he isn't excited about it because he doesn't prefer to do it, but he said in his experience it takes longer. I had traditional surgery laproscopically and I was ready to leave the hospital after 3 days for both steps 1 and 2. I think it's more important to find a good surgeon with a great record and a lot of experience. If s/he does it robotic, that's great, if not, that could be okay too. I wouldn't seek a surgeon who does it that way just to have it done that way - unless the surgeon had a great track record.

We did have that one user with the great result but we have had meny who had traditional who also have great results. I am not sure but i think swollencolon might be young. I am not going to heal as quickly as someone who is 20 unfortunately.

I think it's nice to consult with both and see what you think.
Posted 10/22/2015 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
If the surgeon is trained on doing the procedure robotically then there's nothing wrong with choosing that surgeon if you feel comfortable with that person. My friend had her j pouch created robot assist (out in CA) and she has had a great result. (She calls it her robo ass...lol)

Mine was done laparoscopic (no robot) and everything went smoothly. Really, it just boils down to how the surgeon was trained and what you as the patient feel comfortable with. Never hurts to interview several surgeons with different methods. Good luck!
Posted 10/22/2015 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
My step 1 (of 2) was robot assisted lapro jpouch surgery at Mayo in August. My surgeon is very experienced and robotic was his preference. I have three incisions that are approximately half an inch long, one incision that was made inside of my belly button, and the stoma site which is a little less than an inch across. The incisions were filled with surgical glue and are healing nicely.

I was able to walk and eat -- a tiny amount of cottage cheese and some saltines -- a few hours after I woke up from surgery. I was stiff and sore when I woke up. My right side, where the majority of the stapling occured, was noticeably more sore than my left side...probably the fact that my stoma is on my right side had something to do with that as well. In any event, I was happy not to have any incisions larger than an inch long since it can take more time and it is more difficult for your body to heal the more the abdominal muscles are cut. I went home from the hospital just over two days post-op.

I think you can achieve very good results either way. I agree that it comes down to finding the right surgeon. Definitely a good question to ask when you are interviewing. Let me know if you have any specific questions about robotic surgery.
Posted 10/22/2015 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I work in the operating room. As stated by previous posters, it depends on the skill of the surgeon. Robotics is quite popular but I wouldn't have it done if the surgeon is using you to "practice" and increase his robotic numbers. I would choose a surgeon that is proficient and has very good outcomes whether it's laparoscopic or robotic.
Posted 10/27/2015 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your responses. As I get closer I may ask more questions.
Posted 10/27/2015 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
My vote is to go with the surgeon who has the greatest amount of experience in doing jpouches, and not necessarily with the method used. This is a very complex surgery and you only get one shot. I chose a surgeon who had done over 2,000 jpouches and my outcome was great with open surgery. 14 years later and I am in excellent health.

Sue
Posted 11/1/2015 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
I have decided to go with an open surgery, no robots. The surgeon has been doing this a long time, is confident, straightforward and has excellent reviews. The robotics surgeon is only a few years older than me, and his office cancelled my consult because he's going on vacation. He wouldn't have been able to operate until early January. Decision was made, and I feel as confident with it as I'm going to be. Any words of advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated, as I am terrified.
Posted 11/1/2015 2:14 PM (GMT 0)

Bradbackman4 said...
I have decided to go with an open surgery, no robots. The surgeon has been doing this a long time, is confident, straightforward and has excellent reviews. The robotics surgeon is only a few years older than me, and his office cancelled my consult because he's going on vacation. He wouldn't have been able to operate until early January. Decision was made, and I feel as confident with it as I'm going to be. Any words of advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated, as I am terrified.

Having been through it all myself, just keep a positive attitude, take things one day at a time and keep in mind that soon it will be all behind you. I remember when I was in the middle of it all it seemed like it would never end. The surgeries are tough to get through but in the end it's all worth it. Sounds like you'll be in good hands....best of luck!
Posted 11/2/2015 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats and best of luck! Definitely agree that staying positive is key.
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