General Surgery Conditions
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the system of organs that takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste. The GI tract is approximately 20 feet long and consists of the upper and lower GI tracts. The upper GI tract consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach. Behind the mouth lies the pharynx, which leads to a hollow muscular tube, the esophagus. The lower GI tract is comprised of the small and large intestines, along with the anus.
A wide variety of benign and malignant conditions can affect a person's gastrointestinal tract, such as colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum), ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lower part of the large intestine), Crohn's disease (inflammation of the digestive tract) or diverticular disease (bulges in the lining of the colon) can cause chronic pain, as well as other disabling symptoms.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer for both men and women.1 Each year in the United States, more than 150,000 men and women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.2 Colon cancer forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine). Most colon cancers begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids. Rectal cancer forms in the tissues of the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus).
1. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/rectal/HealthProfessional/page2
2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2008
While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.
Content provided by Intuitive Surgical. For more information on this topic, please visit www.davincisurgery.com
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