Robotic Colorectal Surgery Specialist

Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS Our Services Robotic Colorectal Surgery

Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Colorectal Surgeon located in Los Angeles, CA

Robotic surgery is the most advanced and effective method of carrying out minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures for a range of colorectal conditions. Double board-certified colorectal surgeon Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS, provides state-of-the-art robotic colorectal surgery at her practice in Los Angeles, California. If you need to discuss your surgery options or think you may be a candidate for robotic colorectal surgery, call Karen Zaghiyan MD or schedule a consultation online today.

Robotic Colorectal Surgery

What is robotic colorectal surgery?

Robotic colorectal surgery is an advanced form of surgical technology that assists Dr. Zaghiyan when she’s performing minimally invasive laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Robotic colorectal surgery builds on the well-established laparoscopic technique in which Dr. Zaghiyan uses a standard 2D video monitor to see the operation site inside your abdominal cavity. In laparoscopic surgery, she watches the screen and uses the image to guide the instruments, which she controls by hand. 

In robotic surgery, Dr. Zaghiyan directs a robot to use the instruments, under her total control. The robot in no way replaces Dr. Zaghiyan; it’s more like a highly technical instrument that she can use to gain a better view of surgical procedures and operate with an even higher degree of control and precision.


How does robotic colorectal surgery work?

At the start of the surgery, Dr. Zaghiyan makes several small incisions in your abdomen through which she can pass a magnified, high-definition 3D camera and special robotic instruments. These instruments can mimic the way a human hand bends and rotates.

Dr. Zaghiyan sits in the surgeon console a few feet away from the operating table. She directs the robotic instruments to carry out the surgery by replicating in real-time every movement she makes. 

Using such highly advanced technology enables Dr. Zaghiyan to overcome the limitations of both traditional open surgery and laparoscopic techniques, ensuring your colorectal surgery achieves the optimal results.


What are the advantages of robotic colorectal surgery?

The advantages of undergoing robotic colorectal surgery compared to open surgery include:

  • Reduced postoperative pain
  • Faster recovery
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Earlier return to routine daily activities
  • Less scarring

These advantages all apply to laparoscopic surgery, but in addition, robotic colorectal surgery offers significant additional advantages. 

The improved visibility through 3D vision makes it easier for Dr. Zaghiyan to perform the surgery with the utmost accuracy and minimal tissue damage. She can also maneuver the robotic instruments in ways that would be difficult if she were using her hands directly.

Fluorescence imaging in the robotic system is an important development that is particularly helpful in colorectal surgery. 

Fluorescence uses a dye and a special video to evaluate the blood supply to your tissues. Insufficient blood supply to the bowel tissues can cause leaks at the connection points, but using fluorescence imaging enables Dr. Zaghiyan to monitor blood supply and prevent leakage.

To find out more about robotic colorectal surgery, call Karen Zaghiyan MD or schedule an appointment online today.