Patients can now recover in the comfort of their own homes

West Palm Beach, FL – Traditionally, colorectal surgeries were major operations that required a hospital stay and a significant recovery period. Advances in surgical techniques and the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols (ERAS), have decreased the amount of time patients have to spend in the hospital. At Good Samaritan Medical Center, some patients are now even able to go home the same day. Dr. Hayder Al-Azzawi, colorectal surgeon, performs the same day discharge colon surgeries. He sees many benefits for his patients including an easier, more comfortable recovery. West Palm Beach resident, Michael Strager, was one of the first patients to go home the same day after undergoing minimally invasive colon surgery for cancer with Dr. Al-Azzawi at Good Samaritan Medical Center.

“They brought me back to the room, one hour later I was out there walking the halls. I had just had major surgery and I was up talking to the nurses,” recounts Strager. “Dr. Al-Azzawi came in and said, ‘Mike, you’re good to go!’ So I went home the same day I had the surgery.”

“I am honored to be able to perform same day discharge robotic surgeries in our community, which can benefit patients like Michael Strager,” said Dr. Hayder Al-Azzawi, colorectal surgeon. “Because of the efficiency and quality of robotic surgery, patients can recover faster than traditional surgical options, often with less scarring and better outcomes.”

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. While colorectal cancer diagnoses overall are down, there is a trend that is alarming doctors: There is an increase in colorectal cancer diagnosis in people age 55 and younger. In fact, twice as many patients are being diagnosed in these younger age groups than back in 1995. Those younger patients are also diagnosed with more advanced disease than in the past. This is all according to numbers released on March 1, the first day of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, from the American Cancer Society.

“Colorectal cancer can be prevented with screening colonoscopy. So, give yourself the best chance by getting checked for it,” said Dr. Al-Azzawi. “If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, we can perform a minimal invasive surgery to remove the cancer and then possibly even get you home the same day of the surgery.”

The Robotic Surgical Institute at Good Samaritan Medical Center offers some of the latest advancements in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedures to our community. For more information about our robotic services call 866-306-2225 or go to www.GoodSamaritanMC.com.