Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

Robotic Surgery Specialist

Robert G Yavrouian, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Colon and Rectal Surgery located in Los Angeles, CA & Glendale, CA

Robotic surgery can address serious problems like colorectal cancer and rectal prolapse using small incisions and highly advanced techniques. Robert Yavrouian, MD, can assess your condition and plan your robotic surgery at two locations in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles and Glendale, California. For more information, call Dr. Robert Yavrouian or click the online appointment link.

Robotic Surgery Q & A

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is a cutting-edge method of treating colon and rectum problems. During this surgery, Dr. Yavrouian uses the da Vinci®  Surgical System. It includes a miniature camera that delivers high-resolution, magnified 3D images he can view as he sits at a surgical console. 

Dr. Yavrouian uses the da Vinci’s highly sensitive controls to manipulate the robotic arm’s tiny instruments. They can make small incisions, remove tissue, reposition tissue, and make other necessary corrections. The surgical robot never acts independently; Dr. Yavrouian controls every move. The robotic arm rotates 360 degrees and has more flexibility than the human hand. 

What conditions does robotic surgery treat?

Robotic surgery can treat a number of colorectal conditions, including: 

  • Colon cancer
  • Rectal cancer
  • Diverticulitis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn's disease
  • Rectal prolapse

Robotic surgery can treat many conditions that previously required open surgery with large incisions. With robotic surgery, you get benefits that traditional open surgery can't offer.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery has many advantages, including:

  • Reduced blood loss
  • Less scarring after surgery
  • Less pain during your recovery
  • Reduced risk of infection during surgery
  • Shorter stay in the hospital or surgical center
  • Faster return to full bowel function
  • Reduced risk of nerve damage 
  • Quicker recovery

Because of these advantages, the use of robotic surgery for colon and rectal cancer increases about 20% every year in the United States. 

What can I expect with robotic surgery recovery?

Robotic surgery recovery can be different for each person. With colorectal surgery, your recovery time may be as little as a few weeks. 

Robot-assisted surgery can lessen recovery time when compared to traditional large incision surgery. Dr. Yavrouian explains the robotic procedure to you in detail ahead of time, including your expected recovery time. 

How are robotic and laparoscopic surgery different?

Laparoscopic surgery, like robotic surgery, is minimally invasive. The two surgical methods also share small incisions. The primary differences are that robotic surgery features more detailed imaging and greater surgical control through the robotic arm. 

Dr. Yavrouian controls every movement with both robotic and laparoscopic surgery, but with laparoscopic surgery, he moves surgical tools directly within the incisions, while with robotic surgery he controls a robot that holds the instruments.

Robotic surgery can give you the best results and fastest recovery. Learn more about this state-of-the-art colorectal surgery method by calling Dr. Robert Yavrouian or clicking the online booking link.