HSN surgeons perform new rectal cancer surgery

Better results, minimal incisions, less pain, and less time spent in hospital are just some of the benefits of an advanced surgical procedure for rectal cancer that’s been introduced to Health Sciences.

The procedure, called transanal total mesorectal excision was performed for the first time at the hospital by a team led by colorectal surgeon Dr. Antonio Caycedo. According to Caycedo, only a handful of hospitals in Canada perform the procedure.

During the procedure the surgeon makes three to four tiny incisions in a patient’s abdomen to access a patient’s rectum laparascopically. The rectum is then pulled out of the patient’s anus where the tumour can be removed and the rectum repaired. The procedure allows surgeons to be much more precise in removing tumours from the rectum.

“I think this is the most advanced technique that currently exists for rectal cancer surgery,” Caycedo said in a press release. “It is a challenging surgery but it will become the standard for rectal cancer surgery because the benefits are just too numerous.”

Patients who undergo this procedure may also be less likely to require a colostomy, which can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.

Caycedo trained in Europe for a week with a pioneer in the procedure to prepare for its introduction to Health Sciences North.

“Dr. Caycedo and the entire surgical team have again put into practice HSN’s strategic objectives of pursuing excellence and innovation in patient care,” said Dr. Denis Roy,
Health Sciences North's president and CEO, in a press release. “This is truly world-class surgery and we’re very proud of the initiative and dedication to improving patient care demonstrated by Dr. Caycedo and our surgical program.”