The classical operation for cancer of the rectum is an anterior resection and this is now most usually carried out by a keyhole or laparoscopic approach deep in the pelvis. However, especially in males this can be a very challenging procedure.
A Word About Robots
Occtopus helped to fund the installation of the first in Oxford. The Robotic Assisted Surgery programme is rapidly expanding to include not just prostate surgery but a number of colorectal procedures including anterior resection for rectal cancer. The narrow pelvis has always been a challenge for surgeons and Robotic Assisted Surgery has a special role in confined spaces.
When they are using robots, surgeons place their hands in a glove like device and their hand movements are mimicked by the machine. Autonomous robots carrying out surgeries without human intervention are a long way off. The current robots allow precision surgery with brilliant vision and optics to give better patient outcomes. Robotic assisted surgery is rapidly becoming the standard for many operations and we are proud to have part funded the equipment in Oxford.
