Oscar Olmos: Teacher Gives Robotics a Perfect Score

The well-loved teacher thought he would be away from school for a long time because of his condition. But in less than two weeks after undergoing robotic-assisted surgery, he was happy to be back to the place he considers his second home.

Oscar Olmos, 49, underwent robotic-assisted surgery to remove a tumor on his upper rectum on November 2, 2011 at The Medical City. He was discharged from the hospital six days after or on November 8 and went back to PAREF Southridge School in Muntinlupa City on November 14, 2011 where he is employed as a teacher and a Personal Formation Mentor.

He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in October last year after going through a series of tests which included fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to confirm the disease. Biopsy after the surgery revealed the cancer to be Stage 3A. On the last week of September 2011, Oscar first noticed blood in his stool. Upon the advice of his close friends, he immediately consulted his doctor in another institution who in turn referred him to TMC colorectal surgeons, Dr. Manuel Francisco T. Roxas and Dr. Robert L. Chang, who are both experts in robotic-assisted surgery.Oscar admits that robotics is something new to him.

“It is something new but the way my two doctors explained how precise and how minimally invasive the procedure was made me say yes,” says Oscar.

Drs. Roxas and Chang explained to Oscar that the best option for him was to undergo robotic-assisted anterior resection which is done to remove a tumor in the upper part of the rectum. In robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon performs the procedure by manipulating robotic arms from a special viewing and control console. The arms are inserted into the body through small incisions, thus presenting a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. The arms wield the fine surgical instruments that are needed to dissect and suture, as well as a camera that allows the surgeon to view the surgical field in 3D with up to ten times magnification.

Dr. Roxas said robotic-assisted procedures are better compared to laparoscopic procedures. In laparoscopy, long instruments are inserted through small incisions and are then controlled by the surgeon outside the patient’s body. On the other hand, robotic arm instruments have freedom of movement similar to the wrist motion of human hands; thus, it is just like having the surgeon’s hands inside the patient’s body, working directly on the operative site. Moreover, the 3D camera in robotic surgery provides the surgeon depth perception, which is absent in conventional laparoscopy.

To sum it up, Dr. Roxas said robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive with better 3D magnification and precision and is the best option particularly for preserving pelvic nerves responsible for sexual and urinary function.

Oscar was convinced. After all, he knew his two doctors are among the country’s top colorectal surgeons.

Among the many advantages of robotics, Oscar cites three benefits that most appealed to him. According to Oscar, this kind of surgery offers more precision in the surgical procedure. Secondly, it is definitely less invasive and lastly, it warrants faster recovery. Dr. Roxas couldn’t agree more with Oscar. “Among the advantages of robotic-assisted surgery are faster recovery, less pain, less bleeding and earlier return to full activity as well as chemotherapy,” says Dr. Roxas.

“Recovery was very fast. On the third day after the operation, I was already on my feet and beginning to walk. I was walking along the corridors of the ward on the fourth day,” adds Oscar corroborating his doctor’s statement.

“Quick recovery from surgery is a significant issue because the shorter the recovery period, the lesser the possibility for any complications, as for example, of catching pneumonia,” Oscar further explained.

The wounds from the surgery are very small according to Oscar. One was a bit longer than the other six because that served as the passage for the tumor that was removed.

“The wounds being small allowed quick recovery to,” adds Oscar.

Oscar confesses, though, that he initially wanted laparoscopic surgery. No regrets for him. He’s happy with the outcome of robotic-assisted surgery. In terms of cancer surgery, the complete removal of the tumor was achieved. Oscar is now undergoing chemotherapy to prevent cancer cells from regrowing.

Oscar is thankful for the expert care given to him by Dr. Roxas and Dr. Chang.

“So far, I'm doing ok with my chemotherapy. I thank God and my friends and loved ones for all the prayers,” says Oscar.

“The doctors who attended to me were first class. If I were to rate my doctors and Robotics, I’d give them a perfect score.”