You have been told a permanent colostomy is needed
The tumour is in the low rectum and another team has proposed abdominoperineal resection with a permanent colostomy. You want to know whether robotic surgery can preserve the sphincter.
Reviewed by Dr. Patricia Tejedor and Dr. Francois Quenet · Updated: June 2026
Robotic Colorectal Surgery · Da Vinci · Barcelona
Robotic Colorectal Surgery in Barcelona: Da Vinci 5th generation and Watch & Wait
You have been told a permanent colostomy is unavoidable, or you are not sure whether Watch & Wait is an option. Dr. Tejedor and Prof. Garcia-Aguilar review your case in 48 h at Centro Medico Teknon.
Da Vinci 5
5th generation robotic system
OPRA
Watch & Wait protocol by Prof. Garcia-Aguilar (MSKCC)
48 h
multidisciplinary committee response
ESCP
Dr. Tejedor, ESCP Committee member
Does this describe your situation?
Patients who typically request a robotic colorectal surgery second opinion in Barcelona
Good response to chemoradiotherapy or TNT
You have responded well to neoadjuvant treatment and want to know whether you are a candidate for Watch & Wait or whether robotic surgery is the best option.
Low rectal cancer without robotic assessment
Your case has been evaluated at a centre without Da Vinci or without specific experience in high-complexity robotic pelvic surgery.
Colon cancer with comorbidities
You have factors that make a minimally invasive approach preferable, with less blood loss and faster recovery.
Local recurrence of rectal cancer
You have had a local relapse and want a team with robotic surgery experience to assess whether a surgical approach exists.
Uncertainty about where to have surgery
Robotic surgery has been proposed but you want to confirm the team has real, accredited experience in Da Vinci colorectal surgery.
How we approach your case
Robotic colorectal surgery with Da Vinci: technique and what sets this team apart
5th generation Da Vinci
The latest Da Vinci system offers high-definition 3D vision, greater precision in the pelvis, and more natural movements for the surgeon. In low rectal cancer this translates into better nerve and sphincter structure preservation.
Watch & Wait: avoiding surgery when not needed
When a rectal tumour achieves clinical complete response after TNT, the OPRA protocol by Prof. Garcia-Aguilar allows active surveillance instead of immediate surgery. The team is one of the few in Spain with real experience in this strategy.
Sphincter preservation in low rectal cancer
Robotic precision allows low rectal resections with oncological margins and anal sphincter preservation in cases where open or laparoscopic surgery would require a permanent colostomy.
ERAS protocols and multidisciplinary committee
The strategy for each case is decided by a committee including colorectal surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and radiologist. ERAS protocols specific to robotic surgery accelerate recovery.
Surgical team
Specialists in robotic colorectal surgery in Barcelona
Dr. Patricia Tejedor
Colorectal Surgeon · 2 robotic fellowships · ESCP Committee member
View profileSphincter preservation and postoperative functionality are part of the oncological outcome, not a secondary goal. Trained in leading robotic colorectal centres.
Dr. Francois Quenet
Surgical Oncologist · Complex colorectal and peritoneal surgery
View profileIntegration between robotic colorectal surgery and peritoneal disease management allows high-complexity cases to be addressed in a single procedure.
Dr. Juan Jose Torrent
Surgical Oncologist · Specialist in the colorectal component of CRS
View profileIn advanced colorectal cancer, coordination between robotic surgery and peritoneal management determines long-term outcomes.
Patient journey
How the process works, step by step
1. You send your report
Complete the form with the available clinical documentation (CT, MRI, pathology reports, neoadjuvant treatment report if applicable) and the coordinator advises you on next steps.
2. The committee reviews within 48 h
Colorectal surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and radiologist jointly analyse your case and determine the strategy: robotic surgery, Watch & Wait, or another option.
3. We call you with the proposal
The coordinator explains the committee's assessment: proposed technique, possibility of sphincter preservation, and next steps.
4. You decide with no obligation
The assessment does not commit you to anything. If you decide to proceed, we organise everything. If not, we provide the information in writing.
Where we treat you
Centro Medico Teknon, Barcelona
The team's historic base at the leading international private hospital. Passeig de Carlos III, 60-66, 08017 Barcelona.
5th generation Da Vinci robotic system
Centro Medico Teknon has the latest Da Vinci robotic system for complex colorectal surgery.
High-complexity operating theatres
Equipped for robotic colorectal surgery with intraoperative monitoring and anaesthesiology team specialised in oncological surgery.
Individual private rooms
All rooms are private, with the option of a companion throughout the stay.
How to get here
Metro (L6 La Bonanova), commuter rail (FGC Sarria), taxi, own car park. 20 minutes from Barcelona El Prat Airport. More about Teknon.
Patient stories
See on Google
★★★★★
What patients say about their experience
(Original reviews in Spanish, authentic patient testimonials)
L
Hace 4 semanas
★★★★★
Maravilloso equipo quirurgico, de lo mejor que hay. El Dr. Torrent (experto en carcinomatosis peritoneal) es un cirujano excepcional y mejor persona. Su coordinadora super amable, rapida y eficiente. El trato humano es estupendo y los resultados tambien. Esto es de vital importancia para los pacientes con cancer.
P
Hace 2 anos
★★★★★
Soy una paciente de 63 anos. Me detectan un cancer de la glandula suprarrenal y me dicen que no hay nada que hacer. Busco una segunda opinion y me hablan del equipo Quenet Torrent, especialistas en operaciones complejas. El doctor Torrent, desde el primer momento, me dice que pueden operarme. Me intervienen y me extraen una gran masa tumoral. No hay que arrojar la toalla. Soy feliz por haber encontrado a estos profesionales que me han devuelto la vida. Gracias.
F
Hace 6 anos
★★★★★
Tengo carcinomatosis peritoneal. Enviando mi diagnostico a todos los centros, practicamente todos coincidian en una quimio paliativa con poco tiempo de supervivencia. Hasta que llegamos al Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent y su equipo. Solo puedo confirmar lo que su curriculo anuncia: estan muy lejos del resto. Me salvaron la vida.
Frequently asked questions about robotic colorectal surgery in Barcelona
Direct answers before contacting the team.
Who performs Da Vinci robotic colorectal surgery in Barcelona?
Dr. Patricia Tejedor, with two robotic fellowships and an ESCP Committee member, is the team's primary reference for robotic colorectal surgery at Centro Medico Teknon.
What is Watch and Wait in rectal cancer?
It is an active surveillance strategy for rectal cancer patients who achieve a clinical complete response after neoadjuvant treatment. Prof. Garcia-Aguilar is one of the principal investigators of the OPRA protocol, which defines the selection criteria.
What are the advantages of 5th generation Da Vinci in colorectal surgery?
Greater precision in confined spaces, better 3D vision, reduced blood loss, faster recovery, and improved preservation of nerve structures controlling sphincteric and sexual function.
When can a permanent colostomy be avoided?
Sphincter preservation depends on exact tumour location, response to prior treatment, and individual anatomy. Robotic surgery expands preservation possibilities, but individual assessment by the committee is essential.
What is the typical hospital stay after robotic colorectal surgery?
With ERAS protocols, the average stay is 3 to 5 days, significantly shorter than with conventional open surgery.
Do you work with private health insurance in Barcelona?
Centro Medico Teknon has agreements with the main private health insurers in Spain. Ask the coordinator about the conditions of your policy.
Do you treat patients coming from outside Barcelona?
Yes. The coordinator advises on travel and accommodation for patients from other regions or from abroad.
How do I request an assessment?
Fill in the form on this page or call +34 660 658 276. The coordinator responds within 24 hours.
Request your robotic colorectal surgery assessment in Barcelona
Send your reports. The team reviews your case within 48 hours and indicates whether robotic surgery, Watch and Wait, or another strategy is the right approach.
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