Traditional vs. Robotic Transgastric Tumor Resection
A transgastric tumor resection is a surgical treatment option for patients with gastric cancer. This procedure involves accessing and removing the tumor using an endoscope that is inserted down the throat. At Moffitt Cancer Center, transgastric tumor resections can be performed as a traditional open procedure or with the assistance of robotic technology. We use the da Vinci® Surgical System, which translates a surgeon’s hand movements into smaller motions made by wristed instruments. These instruments can bend and rotate much more than the human hand, allowing for a high level of precision during the procedure. The da Vinci Surgical System also provides the surgeon with a magnified 3D view of the patient’s body during surgery and features an ergonomically designed console so the surgeon has easy accessibility while completing the procedure.
Compared with traditional surgery, robotic technology allows for procedures to be performed in the most minimally invasive manner possible. This can benefit the patient by resulting in:
- A faster recovery time
- Decreased postoperative pain
- Better pain management
- Less blood loss during surgery
- Less scarring
- A shorter hospital stay
With or without the use of robotic technology during a transgastric tumor resection, it is important to choose a surgeon who is experienced with this type of surgery. Because Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center, our surgeons regularly perform both traditional and robotic surgeries and possess a high level of expertise in this area. Additionally, Moffitt patients benefit from having a multispecialty team collaborate as a tumor board to review each patient’s case individually. This team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists and other experts from our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program who are committed to finding the best possible treatment for each patient.
To learn more about transgastric tumor resections and how robotic technology can improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with gastric cancer, fill out a new patient registration form online or call 1-888-663-3488. We welcome new patients to schedule an appointment with or without a referral.