robotic precision to enhance recovery 

personalized care.

robotic precision.

Diseases of the colon can be extremely disruptive to every day life, and may require surgery to correct. Up to 60% of colon surgeries are still being done with a single large incision. Robotic colon surgery is less invasive and less painful, helping your recover quickly.

Summary

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  • The last part of the digestive system, the colon measures about 5 to 6 feet in length, and is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes as well as storing waste before it is expelled.

    • Diverticulosis (“bubbles” on the colon)

    • Diverticulitis (inflammation of diverticulosis, can cause abscess or tearing of the colon)

    • Volvulus (twisting)

    • Obstruction (blockage)

    • Bleeding

    • Polyps

    • Cancer

    • Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

    • Toxic megacolon

    • Ischemia (low blood flow)

    • Colonic intertia (severe constipation)

    • Rectal prolapse

    • Anal fissures

    • Anal fistulas

    • Hemorrhoids

  • Problems with the colon usually present with symptoms related to bowel movements. These can be bloating, pain in the lower abdomen or sides of the lower lower abdomen, bloody bowel movements, severe constipation or diarrhea, or nausea and vomiting in the case of blockages.

  • Testing for colon-related surgical diseases is broad, but typically consists of CT scans, colonoscopies, anoscopy (can be done in the office), special X-ray enemas, MRI, ultrasound, and manometry (pressure testing). Testing is individualized and tailored to your symptoms.

  • Innovative approaches to colon surgery have minimized pain, incision size, and have shortened time in the hospital. Each patient is treated individually, with surgical treatments tailored to your disease process.

Colon

The colon, or large intestine, is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes, forming stool, and housing trillions of beneficial gut bacteria. Unlike the small intestine, which focuses on nutrient absorption, the colon’s primary role is to concentrate waste and maintain fluid balance while facilitating the final stages of digestion. It is divided into several sections—the cecum, ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon—each contributing to the movement and processing of stool toward the rectum. The colon’s microbiome plays a key role in immune function, vitamin production, and overall gut health. Disorders such as diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, strictures, and colorectal cancer can significantly impact its function, sometimes requiring medical or surgical intervention for relief and long-term management.

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches, called diverticula, form in the lining of the colon, most commonly in the sigmoid colon. While diverticulosis itself is often asymptomatic, it can lead to diverticulitis, which is inflammation or infection of these pouches. Diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain (typically in the lower left quadrant), fever, bloating, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Mild cases may be treated with antibiotics and dietary modifications, while severe cases—especially those involving abscesses, perforation, or bowel obstruction—may require hospitalization, drainage procedures, or even surgical resection. Preventative strategies, including a high-fiber diet, hydration, and regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of diverticular disease complications.

Diverticula of the colon can also cause bleeding, sometimes severe, requiring hospitalization and potentially resection. It would first be diagnosed with colonoscopy in the urgent setting, followed by the potential for surgery if the bleeding does not stop on its own.

Sigmoid volvulus occurs when the sigmoid colon twists on itself, creating a blockage that can lead to bowel obstruction, ischemia, and perforation if not treated promptly. It is more common in older adults, individuals with chronic constipation, and those with conditions that cause colonic dysmotility. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, nausea, and distension, often progressing rapidly. Initial treatment typically involves endoscopic decompression with a sigmoidoscope to untwist the bowel, but recurrent cases or signs of bowel compromise may require surgical intervention, such as sigmoid colectomy. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent life-threatening complications like gangrene and perforation.

Even in an urgent situation such as this, robotic surgery has been shown to be effect with experienced surgeons such as Dr. Le, which helps with your recovery and time in the hospital.

Colon cancer is a malignant growth that develops in the large intestine, often beginning as a polyp that gradually transforms into cancer over time. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide but is highly treatable when detected early. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue, though early stages may be asymptomatic. Screening with colonoscopy is crucial, as it allows for early detection and removal of precancerous polyps, significantly reducing cancer risk. Treatment depends on the stage and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies. Advances in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery have improved outcomes, offering faster recovery and better precision in tumor removal. Regular screening and a healthy lifestyle play key roles in prevention.

Robotic colon surgery

Surgery for the colon is still undergoing evolution. Only recently have high volume colon surgery institutions adopted the robotic platform. Innovative techniques used by Dr. Le to minimize incisions, such as “natural orifice” extractions, have allowed patients to have this major surgery with only 4 incisions less than 3/8ths of an inch in diameter. Smaller incisions, along with enhanced recovery pathways and natural orifice extractions, lead to less pain, faster recovery, and equal outcomes regarding cancer resections. The enhanced precision and gentler tissue handling also play a role in your recovery, getting you home faster and back to the things that matter to you.

Before Surgery

  • You will be seen by Dr. Le in the clinic for a comprehensive history and physical, and to discuss your symptoms specific to your problem.

  • Testing for colon problems often require an approach where multiple specialists are involved, such as surgeons, gastroenterologists, and even oncologists.

  • Follow up visit or telehealth visit to discuss results of testing if needed.

  • Smoking cessation for 2 weeks before and at least 2 weeks after surgery to lower anesthetic risks.

  • Prepare for surgery, including bowel prep and antibiotics to be taken at home, as well as foods rich in short-chain fatty acids 2-3 weeks prior to surgery as tolerated.

After Surgery

  • After colon surgery, you will be admitted to the hospital for 1-2 nights while you recover.

  • No heavy lifting more then 30 lbs for 2-3 weeks, with a slow and steady increase back to normal activity over 2 weeks after that.

  • You will be permitted to shower 24 hours after your surgery, patting dry the areas of your incisions.

  • A soft mushy diet, free from meat and carbonated beverages for 1-2 weeks after surgery will be recommended. A low-fiber diet (<10g/d) for 1-2 weeks is recommended.

  • You will be scheduled for at least one followup visit about 1 week after your operation.

additional services we offer

Gallbladder Surgery

GALLBLADDER DISEASES

Cutting edge techniques to remove the gallbladder through “hidden incisions,” as well as single-anesthesia operations to remove stones stuck in the biliary tubes.

STOMACH PROBLEMS

Trusted expertise in a vast range of surgical and functional stomach problems that can often present with vague symptoms, finally getting you answers.

HERNIAS

Innovative approaches to all types of abdominal and groin hernias, decreasing pain and allowing faster return to everyday activities.

SMALL BOWEL DISEASES

Leading-edge surgical techniques in a wide array of common and uncommon small bowel diseases, supporting you in your treatment journey.

REFLUX & HEARTBURN

Tailored surgical treatments specific to each patient, with the ultimate goal of eliminating heartburn and getting you off of your acid-blocking medications.

GENERAL SURGERY

Lumps and bumps, lacerations, cysts, and many other problems can be treated by general surgeons.

MALS

Median arcuate ligament syndrome, a rare and difficult diagnosis, requires expertise and precision to treat. See why Dr. Le is at the forefront.

SMAS

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome requires expert diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Le has developed a new surgical treatment with excellent results.