Ron Welch describes the years before his robotic-assisted colectomy in one word: Sick. Now, he uses yet another word: Brighter. Ron suffered from diverticulitis, a condition occurring when small pouches in the colon (called diverticula) become inflamed or infected. It can cause symptoms like lower abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and other discomforts. After living with this chronic condition for nearly 12 years, Ron was constantly bent over and found movement difficult and painful. His Samaritan Healthcare surgeon, Dr. Andrea Matson, discussed various treatment options with him, and together they decided on a robotic-assisted colectomy to remove the diseased portion of colon. Dr. Matson recommended the da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgical System for Ron’s procedure because it offers faster recovery, fewer complications, and minimal pain and discomfort compared to traditional approaches. The procedure requires just four or five fingertip-size incisions for the robotic arms and attached camera, allowing surgeons 360-degree movement while illuminating the abdominal wall. The da Vinci system combines highly experienced surgeons with top-tier technology. Below are just a few of the benefits of a robotic-assisted colectomy.

• The surgeon only touches what is necessary: Traditionally, post-surgical pain often originates from the body cavity. With the da Vinci, the surgeon avoids manipulating the surrounding tissue, resulting in less pain.

• Avoid complications before they happen: A fluorescent dye can be injected into blood vessels to check blood flow before the procedure is even completed.

•. Simple extraction and closure: The piece of diseased colon is brought out through a port hole or a small incision in the lower abdomen. Suturing or stapling can be completed within the body cavity using the da Vinci.

Learn more about robotic-assisted surgery at samaritanhealthcare.com/generalsurgery.