Ascension Seton Cedar Park Performs Austin Area’s First Single-Port Robotic-Assisted Colorectal Procedure

Ascension Seton Cedar Park announces a significant milestone in surgical care for Central Texas. Recently, Dr. Amar S. Shah, a board certified colon and rectal surgeon, performed the Austin area's first single-port (SP) robotic-assisted colorectal procedure.

This landmark surgery utilized innovative robotic technology that recently received FDA clearance for colorectal cases, covering both rectal and transabdominal procedures. This achievement represents a major advancement in minimally invasive surgery, allowing surgeons to perform complex operations through a single, small incision.

While robotic-assisted surgery was initially granted FDA clearance for general laparoscopic surgery in 2000, it rapidly became the preferred method for urological procedures, such as prostatectomy, due to its exceptional precision in the confined spaces of the pelvis. Over the last two decades, the system's capabilities have undergone significant expansion.

Today, this instrument supports advanced surgical care across multiple specialties. The new single-port technology allows surgeons to utilize enhanced visualization and dexterity for complex colorectal resections, marking the successful evolution of the platform.

The introduction of single-port robotic surgery at Ascension Seton Cedar Park offers distinct advantages over traditional surgical methods. By utilizing a single entry point rather than multiple incisions, the procedure prioritizes patient recovery and outcome quality. Key benefits include:

• Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions lead to less scarring.
• Improved Outcomes: Potential for better oncologic resection for cancer patients.
• Faster Recovery: Many patients can be discharged within 24 hours-and certain cases on the same day-making it an outpatient procedure.
• Enhanced Precision: Better visualization and dexterity for the surgical team, leading to more precise procedures.