Are Your Symptoms
Affecting Your Quality Of Life?
Consult our MOH-accredited specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Robotic Colorectal Surgery
Dr Calvin Ong
MBBS
M.MED (SURGERY)
MRCS
FRCS
What is Robotic Colorectal Surgery?
Robotic colorectal surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat conditions affecting the colon and rectum, such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Surgeons use robotic systems to perform precise movements through small incisions, which provide a 3D, high-definition view. The design of the robot not only provides greater precision, but greater range of motion than standard laparoscopic surgery, allowing for the removal of diseased tissue in very narrow spaces in which laparoscopic surgeons have difficulty operating in. The benefits of robotic surgery include faster recovery, lesser pain, and smaller scars.
Indications for Robotic Colorectal Surgery
Robotic colorectal surgery is recommended for treating various conditions in the colon and rectum. Common indications include:
Colorectal Cancer
Robotic surgery allows for precise removal of cancerous sections of the colon or rectum, offering better post-operative recovery. This is especially beneficial in rectal surgery due to limited operating space in the pelvis.
Diverticulitis
In cases of severe or recurrent diverticulitis, where sections of the colon become inflamed or infected, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected sections.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to severe complications requiring surgical intervention to remove damaged bowel sections.
Large or Complex Polyps
Large or complex polyps may require surgical excision when they cannot be effectively removed through colonoscopy or other endoscopic techniques.
Rectal Prolapse
Robotic surgery is an effective solution for repairing rectal prolapse, a condition where the rectum protrudes from the anus.
Preparing for Robotic Colorectal Surgery
Proper preparation is required for a smooth and successful robotic colorectal surgery. Key steps include:
Dietary and Bowel Preparation
Your surgeon may instruct you to follow a low-fibre diet and complete bowel cleansing with a prescribed solution or laxatives to ensure your colon is clear. This helps reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
Medication Adjustments
Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or paused to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
Fasting
You may need to fast, usually 8 to 12 hours before surgery. This is to ensure your stomach is empty for anaesthesia, minimising complications such as aspiration.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here’s what to expect during robotic colorectal surgery, highlighting each key phase of the process.
1
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with your surgeon to review your medical history, current medications, and any allergies. You may also need to undergo imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs to evaluate your condition.
2
Administration of Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia will be administered to ensure you are unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
3
Making Incisions
Your colorectal surgeon will typically make several small incisions, often between 0.5 and 1.5 cm, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the robotic system used. The number and size of these incisions may vary depending on the specific surgical approach, whether additional assistance or retraction is required, or if the surgeon needs to perform a more extensive resection or repair.
4
Surgical Procedure
Depending on the patient’s condition, the robotic arms are used to remove damaged or diseased tissue, such as cancerous sections of the colon, inflamed areas from diverticulitis, or large polyps. The high-definition camera offers a magnified view, enhancing surgical accuracy.
5
Completion and Incision Closure
After the surgery, the robotic instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical glue.
Are Your Symptoms
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
Proper post-operative care after robotic colorectal surgery is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful recovery. While recovery times and care instructions may vary depending on the specific procedure performed and the patient’s overall health, the following guidelines apply broadly to most cases.
Immediate Care
After surgery, patients are closely monitored in a recovery area as they awaken from anaesthesia. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, are checked regularly to ensure stability. Mild discomfort, such as bloating, cramping, or gas, is common and can be managed with prescribed pain medications. It is also common for patients to feel some drowsiness or nausea as the effects of anaesthesia wear off.
Recovery Process
Most patients can typically resume light activities, such as walking or light household tasks, within a few days after surgery. However, it’s essential to note that recovery times vary depending on the type and complexity of the surgery. Patients who undergo more extensive procedures, such as cancer resections, may require a longer recovery period. Ample rest and avoiding strenuous activities are encouraged to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of complications, such as wound issues or hernias.
Dr Calvin Ong Jianming
MBBS (S’pore)|
M.Med (Surgery)|
MRCS (Ireland)|
FRCS (Edin)|
王健名医生
Dr. Calvin Ong is a Senior Consultant with more than 15 years of surgical experience. He specializes in colorectal and general surgery, performing minimally invasive as well as advanced robotic surgeries for benign and malignant colorectal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor disorders, colorectal cancer, and hernia repair. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalised care for his patients.
Dr. Ong graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from the National University of Singapore in 2008 and completed his Masters of Medicine (Surgery) at the same institute. He finished his advanced specialist training in 2016 and became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
billing & insurance
Partnered Programs & Insurance Plans
For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.
*Extended Panel
Contact us
Our Clinic Locations
Farrer Park
Farrer Park Medical Centre
#14-12, 1 Farrer Park Station Road
Singapore 217562
Appointment : (65) 6643 9922
Urgent Care : (65) 8181 2311
Monday to Friday : 9AM – 6PM
Saturday : 9AM – 1PM
Sunday & Public Holidays : By Appointments
mt. alvernia
Mount Alvernia Hospital
#08-62, Medical Centre D
820 Thomson Road
Singapore 574623
Appointment : (65) 6643 9922
Urgent Care : (65) 8181 2311
Monday to Friday : 9AM – 6PM
Saturday : 9AM – 1PM
Sunday & Public Holidays : By Appointments
novena
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
#10-48/49, 38 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329563
Appointment : (65) 6643 9922
Urgent Care : (65) 8181 2311
Monday to Friday : 9AM – 6PM
Saturday : 9AM – 1PM
Sunday & Public Holidays : By Appointments
parkway east
Parkway East Hospital
#05-08, 319 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427989
Appointment : (65) 6643 9922
Urgent Care : (65) 8181 2311
Monday to Friday : 9AM – 6PM
Saturday : 9AM – 1PM
Sunday & Public Holidays : By Appointments
gleneagles
Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road #06-16
Singapore 258499
Appointment : (65) 6643 9922
Urgent Care : (65) 8181 2311
Monday to Friday : 9AM – 6PM
Saturday : 9AM – 1PM
Sunday & Public Holidays : By Appointments
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I return to work after robotic colorectal surgery?
Most patients can return to work within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of work and the complexity of the surgery. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or physical activity may require a longer recovery period.
Will I need physical therapy after robotic colorectal surgery?
Physical therapy is not typically required after robotic colorectal surgery. However, your doctor may recommend light activities or specific exercises to promote recovery, depending on your condition and overall health.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for robotic colorectal surgery?
Your eligibility for robotic colorectal surgery depends on several factors, including your overall health, the nature of your condition, and your surgeon’s assessment. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss whether robotic surgery is the best option for you.
What diet should I follow after robotic colorectal surgery?
After robotic colorectal surgery, most patients are advised to start with small, light meals that are easy to digest, such as broth, rice, and soft fruits. In many cases, you may be asked to follow a low-fibre or low-residue diet initially, which allows the bowel time to heal.
Your doctor will provide specific dietary guidelines based on the type of surgery and your personal recovery needs, but the gradual reintroduction of normal foods is typical in most cases.