Colorectal Disease

The Palm Beach Digital Surgery Institute specializes in benign and malignant diseases of the colon and rectum. As a minimally invasive surgical specialist, Dr. Parra frequently educates physicians from other countries about the successful surgical techniques he employs at the Palm Beach Digital Surgery Institute. Whether you’re in the Palm Beach community or thousands of miles away, Dr. Eduardo Parra-Davila MD, FACS, FASCRS and his team are here for you, whether in person or via telemedicine.

Colorectal Cancer: Early Detection Results in a 90% Survival Rate

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or the rectum. These cancers, when cells in the body start to grow out of control, may also be termed colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer originates. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.

Early detection of colorectal cancer results in a 90% survival rate. Screenings may detect colorectal cancer before any symptoms occur. The United States Preventive Services Task Force now recommends everyone 45 and older schedule a colonoscopy screening.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Eduardo Parra-Davila, MD, FACS, FASCRS recommends a robotic surgical approach for colorectal disease patients, because of the risk associated with an open surgery. “Open” refers to a surgery with a large incision, in contrast to robotic surgeries in which instruments are inserted through tiny incisions.

According to a 2016 study, a robotic surgical approach can reduce the risk of a conversion to an open surgery during the operation, when compared to a laparoscopic approach. As Dr. Parra explains, “Conversion means you’ve been offered a minimally invasive procedure, and when you wake up you end up with an incision from up all the way down with a 20 centimeter incision.”

Choosing the Right Hospital

Dr. Parra performs his surgeries at Good Samaritan Medical Center, located in West Palm Beach. “One of the reasons I came to Good Sam was for the robotic program,” explains Dr. Parra. “It’s a small community hospital with maybe one of the best technologies there is in surgery, and I like that combination.”

Good Samaritan Medical Center is part of the Palm Beach Health Network, which also includes Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, West Boca Medical Center and Delray Medical Center.