Diseases & Treatments

Dr. Robin Boushey is a colorectal specialist whose main clinical interests focus on all types of colorectal diseases with an emphasis on Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS).  These include colon and rectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, as well as other benign conditions such as hemorrhoids, pilonidal cyst, fistulas, and anal fissures.

What is MIS ?

Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS) surgeons use specialized instruments, miniature high definition cameras, fibre-optic cables and scopes, and high-definition monitors to operate through incisions that require only a few stitches to close. Here’s just one example of the difference MIS makes: today, the standard of care for surgical removal of colorectal cancer requires a large abdominal incision, a hospital stay of nine to twelve days, significant pain and two to three months to recover. But with leading-edge MIS techniques in which the tumour is removed through tiny incisions, the same patient can leave the hospital within three to five days and be back to work in four to six weeks—all with minimal pain.

MIS is also gratifying for surgeons and the entire operating room team.

Dr. Boushey said “The technical challenges demand the best from you, and then you see what a positive impact we have on patients and families.”

What is TEM?

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery or TEM, a technique developed in Germany two decades ago, however, only recently was introduced in the US and only in a few centres in Canada. Colon and rectal surgeons undergo specialized training to perform the surgery, and hospitals must have advanced equipment to offer TEM. Because of their location, even some early cancer and polyps have required more extensive surgery and possibly a colostomy or temporary ileostomy. With TEM, the polyps and cancers are removed with less-invasive, laparoscopic procedures, avoiding longer and more risky surgery, as well as reducing any accompanying pain and complications. TEM has proven to offer the same outcomes and survival benefit that major colon and rectal surgery does for select patients with rectal and low sigmoid tumors and polyps. Most patients can go home the same day or early the next day after TEM, where standard surgery usually requires up to a 10 day stay. While TEM today is intended for patients with early tumours, some patients with more advanced rectal cancer can be enrolled in national oncology trials that use the less-invasive TEM procedure.

What is HALS?

Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (HALS) is a hybrid laparoscopic approach by which the surgeon inserts a hand inside the abdomen to facilitate the laparoscopic dissection. Pneumoperitoneum is maintained using a commercial device that seals off the abdominal cavity from the surrounding environment but allows insertion or withdrawal of a hand or instrument at will. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery lends itself particularly well to HALS because an incision is always required for specimen retrieval, whether it is conducted at the beginning or at the end of the procedure. To learn more click here.

Diseases and Treatments Alphabetically:?

Below are links of diseases and treatments in alphabetical order according to the disease that provide general information for specific topics from other institutions or clinics. Refer to these web sites for more information.