Video Assisted Surgery

What is video assisted surgery?

Video assisted surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that enables the surgeon to treat conditions through small incisions with the advantages of faster recovery and minimal scarring. In the last 10 years, video assisted surgery was introduced in the field of colorectal surgery. The surgeon uses a thin rigid endoscope to look inside a fistula tract or sinus, to debride infected tissue, and to use a special mode of energy to coagulate (burn) the tract in order to scar it [Figure 1]. Scarring often dries up and heal the affected area.

Figure 1 – Video assisted treatment system

What conditions are treated with video assisted surgery?

Currently 2 conditions are treated with video assisted surgery:

• Anal Fistula. The video assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) entails introducing a rigid endoscope with a camera on its tip into the external opening of the fistula.  The fistula tract is cleaned then bursts of energy are delivered into the tract in order to scar it.  This technique is coupled in some cases with an endorectal advancement flap (closure of the internal opening of the fistula on the rectal side by covering it with healthy tissue)
• Pilonidal cyst. Video assisted ablation of pilonidal sinus (VAAPS, also known by EPSiT and EPAT acronyms) is another minimally invasive technique used to treat pilonidal disease.  It is similar in concept to the laser procedure.  A rigid endoscope is inserted through the skin opening of the sinus.  A heating energy is used to coagulate and scar the sinus tract.

Which patient is a candidate for video assisted treatment?

A video assisted procedure is appropriate for some patients.  Dr. Maher Abbas needs to assess each case taking into consideration the patient’s related factors and disease features in order to determine the most effective treatment for an individual patient.

Why seek expert care with a board certified proctologist and colorectal surgeon?

Video assisted treatment is an advanced surgical procedure.  The expertise of the doctor is critical in order to ensure the best results and minimize the risk of recurrence, non-healing, and infection.

Dr. Maher Abbas is an expert in the treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.  With over a 30-year career in the USA, he has completed advanced training in Proctology and is American Board Certified in Colon and Rectal Surgery.  Dr. Maher Abbas is a Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Maher Abbas to discuss your case, click here.