Colorectal cancer scare averted with robotic-assisted surgery at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Runner takes big strides toward recovery after colon surgery

Last fall, when Philip Ritcheson got a screening colonoscopy at age 50, he wasn’t expecting anything unusual. So when the test came back positive for colorectal cancer, Philip was shocked.

“I have been fit and healthy all my life,” says Philip, a senior executive in the Department of Defense. “I didn’t have any symptoms, and I had just finished running 17 miles a few weeks before to train for a marathon.”

Philip was referred to Othon Wiltz, MD, FACS, FASCRS, a colon and rectal surgeon with Virginia Surgery Associates who operates at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. Dr. Wiltz recommended robotic-assisted surgery, which would ensure a high level of precision and accuracy, and a speedy recovery. Philip would become the first patient at IFOH to undergo surgery with the hospital’s new, state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi® surgical system.

“Dr. Wiltz was very positive and reassuring, and he explained that the procedure with robotics would involve smaller incisions and that he would be in control at all times during the surgery,” says Philip, who says he was relieved to be in Dr. Wiltz’s care.

The highly trained surgeon fixed the problem using a less-invasive approach so Philip could return to his active lifestyle faster. He removed the right side of Philip’s colon and attached the ends of the bowel inside the abdomen.

“He’s a very active young man in a vibrant business, and he wanted to get back on his feet quickly. Robotic surgery allowed him to have a quicker recovery, less pain and an earlier discharge from the hospital,” explains Dr. Wiltz.
Philip went home two days after surgery and was on the path to a full recovery.

“His prognosis is excellent because he had his screening colonoscopy early, he was taken care of promptly and he has recovered well,” says Dr. Wiltz, who adds that Philip may need chemotherapy following pathology report findings.
Walking daily, Philip is glad to be back home with his wife and kids. He’s also excited to resume training for next year’s marathon.

One of the benefits of the da Vinci Xi^® is it delivers 3-D high-definition video into the viewer located at the surgeon’s console. Optics mounted at the tip of the endoscope allow the surgeon to see anatomical structures with crystal-clear definition and natural color.

Rapid Recovery from Surgery

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital now offers the latest model of the da Vinci surgical system — the Xi® — featuring 3-D visualization. The leading-edge technology offers numerous benefits over conventional minimally invasive surgery.

“With robotic-assisted surgery, there is less blood loss, patients go home earlier and they recover quicker,” says Dr. Wiltz.

With its 3-D environment and state-of-the-art instruments, the system offers a higher level of precision than traditional laparoscopy. “The instruments are articulated, mimicking the hand, so we can do more precise dissection,” says Dr. Wiltz. “Another benefit is that the 3-D environment allows greater depth perception.”

Colonoscopy screenings can save lives

Start on the road to peace of mind by scheduling an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Click to see gastroenterology doctors in Northern Virginia