HCA HealthONE Swedish is first in Denver metro to offer advanced single-port robotic colorectal surgery
HCA HealthONE Swedish is the first hospital in the Denver metro area to use the single-port (SP) robotic system for complex colorectal procedures. This state-of-the-art approach offers patients improved outcomes, including significantly reduced pain, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of complications compared with traditional surgical methods.
Recently, Dr. Daine Bennett, colorectal surgeon at HCA HealthONE Swedish, performed the hospital’s first single-port colorectal procedure, which was used to treat a complex lesion that previously would have required multi-port laparoscopic or open surgery. The patient was able to go home much sooner than expected, highlighting the rapid recovery associated with his technique.
The next evolution in minimally invasive surgery
Traditional multi-port laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgeries require several small incisions, often four or more, to accommodate surgical instruments and the camera. The single-port robotic system changes this paradigm by performing the entire operation through one small, strategic incision.
“This technology is a true game-changer in the world of abdominal surgery,” said Dr. Bennett. “By consolidating all instrument access through a single site, we are minimizing patient trauma significantly. For colorectal cases, we utilize a two-inch Pfannenstiel incision — a small, horizontal cut low on the abdominal wall. This approach reduces the incidence of incisional hernias and carries less pain, than a standard periumbilical or larger incisions.”
Beyond comfort and aesthetics, Dr. Bennett emphasizes that the single-port system also improves precision.
“The visualization offered by the SP system is unparalleled. Its high-definition 3D camera and wristed instruments allow us to navigate the confined spaces of the pelvis with greater dexterity and precision than ever before,” Dr. Bennett explained. “This ability to work from virtually any angle through a single port ensures we maintain superior oncological and surgical margins, which is paramount when treating cancers and polyps. It will also allow us to remove polyps from high in the rectum and low sigmoid colon from a trans anal approach. This previously would have required transabdominal surgery and removal of part of the colon.”
A local leader in advanced colorectal care
Dr. Bennett is one of the region’s leading colorectal specialists, with extensive expertise in both transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) and transabdominal single-port robotic approaches. HCA HealthONE Swedish invested in this technology to make sure patients in the Denver-area have access to leading-edge treatment close to home.
“Our goal is to continually raise the standard of care for our patients,” said Michael Hanson, chief operating officer of HCA HealthONE Swedish. “Bringing the single-port system to HCA HealthONE Swedish means patients with conditions ranging from complex polyps to diverticulitis and even colorectal cancer can benefit from the highest level of minimally invasive surgery right here in Denver, reducing their hospital stay and accelerating their return to normal life.”
Key patient benefits of single-port colorectal surgery
- Dramatically reduced pain: Less discomfort than multi-incision procedures.
- Faster recovery: Patients can often return home sooner and resume daily activities more quickly.
- Superior cosmetic results: Only one small incision, often hidden below the bikini line (Pfannenstiel).
- Lower hernia risk: Use of the pfannenstiel extraction site reduces the incidence of incisional hernias.
Colorectal surgery care in Denver
HCA HealthONE Swedish is committed to being a trusted surgical partner for gastroenterologists and specialists throughout the Denver region to ensure patients receive expert care utilizing the latest, most effective surgical innovations.
If you are seeking advanced colorectal treatment or a second opinion, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today.