Precision Medicine - Da Vinci-assisted Colorectal Cancer Surgery at Tri-Service General Hospital
Update Date：2024/07/05，
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In recent years, colorectal cancer has remained prevalent in Taiwan. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's 2020 Cancer Registration Annual Report, colorectal cancer ranks as the most common cancer in males and the third most common in females in terms of incidence. In terms of mortality, it ranks third for both males and females, with similar death rates between genders for colorectal cancer.
In 2021, our hospital recorded 433 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnoses, comprising 292 cases of colon cancer (67.36%), 141 cases of rectal cancer (including rectosigmoid junction) (32.05%), and 7 cases of anal cancer (1.59%). On average, approximately 37 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed per month.
The treatment of colorectal cancer primarily involves surgical resection, supplemented by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Early-stage cancers generally respond better to treatment with improved prognosis. Even in cases of distant organ metastasis, appropriate use of medication and surgical intervention can lead to favorable survival rates.
Our Colorectal Surgery Department was established in 1967, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal, rectal, and anal cancers. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgeries. Following the inclusion of Da Vinci low anterior resection surgery in the National Health Insurance coverage in March 2023, our hospital introduced the latest Da Vinci Xi system at the end of the same month. Subsequently, there has been a noticeable monthly increase in the number of Da Vinci-assisted colorectal cancer surgeries. Since the introduction of the Da Vinci Xi system, our department has completed over 70 Da Vinci colorectal cancer surgeries from April 2023 to May 2024, including 7 cases where procedures were conducted collaboratively with general surgeons for Da Vinci-assisted resection of rectal tumors with liver metastases.
he Da Vinci system provides high-resolution 3D imaging and a stereoscopic view, offering surgeons clearer identification and precise manipulation, especially in tissues requiring meticulous handling like blood vessels and nerves. Compared to laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery, some studies indicate that Da Vinci low anterior resection surgery results in shorter hospital stays, lower overall complication rates, and more complete circumferential margins around tumors.
Our department is dedicated to continuous improvement in surgical techniques, regularly inviting renowned experts in Da Vinci colorectal cancer surgery from both domestic and international arenas for knowledge exchange. Additionally, in January 2024, our attending physicians and operating room nurses visited Tokyo Medical University Hospital in Japan to observe surgeries conducted by Professor Yusuke Kinugasa, a leading authority in Da Vinci surgery. In May 2024, our department hosted the Da Vinci Surgery Certification Course endorsed by the Colorectal Surgery Society, where we welcomed the Chairman to guide and mentor young physicians. Upholding the spirit of innovation, transformation, and perseverance at Tri-Service General Hospital, our department remains committed to advancing our practices for the benefit of our patients.