ECU Health announced on April 17 that Dr. Warqaa Akram, a colorectal surgeon with ECU Health Cancer Care, performed the first single port colorectal procedures in North Carolina using the da Vinci Single Port robotic platform at ECU Health Medical Center on March 16.
The use of this technology is significant because it enables complex colorectal surgeries to be performed through a single small incision, which may reduce recovery time and discomfort for patients. This approach offers an alternative to traditional minimally invasive surgery that typically requires multiple incisions.
According to Dr. Akram, “This platform opens a new chapter in colorectal surgery, allowing us to offer patients advanced, minimally invasive care through a single small incision. With improved visualization and greater precision, we can preserve healthy tissue and offer a less invasive option – tailored to each patient – for both cancerous and non cancerous conditions. Integrating this technology into ECU Health’s surgical oncology program further enhances our ability to deliver advanced, high quality surgical care close to home for the communities we serve.”
The da Vinci SP system provides surgeons with enhanced visualization and access to difficult-to-reach angles during procedures. It will be used by ECU Health for various operations such as colon and rectal cancer resections, partial and total colectomies, surgery for inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis, rectal prolapse repair ostomy reversals, as well as minimally invasive resections for certain benign or early-stage rectal tumors.
Jay Briley, president of ECU Health Medical Center said: “Being able to offer this technology means patients in eastern North Carolina can receive advanced colorectal care close to home. We are proud to be the first institution in the state to perform this single‑port robotic colorectal surgery, expanding access to innovative, minimally invasive treatment options. This milestone reflects our commitment to ensuring patients in our region don’t have to travel long distances to receive the highest level of care.”
ECU Health aims to serve as a model for rural health and wellness across eastern North Carolina’s communities. The organization operates an academic medical center with two campuses along with eight community hospitals and numerous outpatient clinics according to its official website. Its network consists of more than 1,100 providers at over 185 clinics within 110 locations; overall it manages 1,708 licensed beds serving over 1.4 million people across 29 counties according to its official website. As described by its mission statement on their site,the system focuses on enhancing health through patient-centered medical care, community services and rehabilitation programs.
As a nonprofit integrated health system made up of hospitals and physician practices,ECU Health extends services throughout eastern North Carolina. The recent advancement marks another step toward increasing local access to specialized surgical options.
