Rectal cancer and a proposed permanent stoma
You have been told that your rectal cancer requires a permanent colostomy. You want to know whether sphincter-preserving robotic surgery or Watch and Wait is an option in your case.
Reviewed by Dr. Patricia Tejedor · Updated: June 2026
International Patients
Da Vinci Robotic Colorectal Surgery in Spain
Fifth-generation Da Vinci robotic surgery for colon and rectal cancer. Watch and Wait protocol in collaboration with Prof. Garcia-Aguilar (Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York). Your case reviewed within 48 hours.
Why international patients choose us for robotic surgery
Da Vinci 5
Fifth-generation robotic system, highest precision available
MSK
Collaboration with Prof. Garcia-Aguilar, Memorial Sloan Kettering
48 h
Case review for international patients
4.9/5
Google rating based on 51+ verified patient reviews
Is this your situation?
International patients who come for robotic colorectal surgery
Seeking Watch and Wait at a validated centre
Your oncologist has mentioned organ preservation, but the centre near you does not have an established Watch and Wait programme. You want access to a team that implements it following the OPRA protocol.
Complex pelvic anatomy requiring robotic precision
Narrow pelvis, obesity, previous pelvic surgery, or an ultralow rectal tumour make your case technically demanding. Robotic surgery with Da Vinci 5 offers precision that open or laparoscopic surgery cannot match in these anatomies.
Colon cancer requiring high-quality minimally invasive resection
You want a colectomy performed robotically at a high-volume centre, with shorter recovery, minimal blood loss, and an experienced team.
Discordant opinions on surgical approach
Different specialists have recommended different approaches. You want an independent assessment from a team at the top of colorectal surgical oncology practice.
Recurrence after prior colorectal surgery
Local recurrence or metachronous metastases after a previous colorectal resection. You want to know whether salvage surgery is feasible and what the realistic options are.
Our approach to robotic colorectal surgery
The Da Vinci fifth-generation robotic system represents the highest-precision tool currently available for colorectal surgery. In the narrow space of the pelvis, where critical autonomic nerves for urinary, sexual, and bowel function run immediately adjacent to the tumour, the 3D magnified vision and 540-degree articulation of the robot allows precision that conventional techniques cannot offer.
Watch and Wait: avoiding surgery in complete responders
Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who achieve a complete clinical response after total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) may be candidates for Watch and Wait. We implement this protocol in close collaboration with Prof. Julio Garcia-Aguilar, its principal international investigator through the OPRA trial.
Total mesorectal excision with nerve preservation
When surgery is required, total mesorectal excision (TME) with robotic assistance allows precise dissection along anatomical planes, maximising negative margins while preserving the hypogastric nerves and pelvic plexuses.
Intraoperative fluorescence verification
ICG fluorescence is used routinely to confirm adequate vascular perfusion of the intestinal anastomosis before closure, reducing the risk of anastomotic leak, the most serious short-term complication after rectal surgery.
ERAS protocols for accelerated recovery
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are applied from admission to discharge, reducing hospital stay to 3-5 days in most robotic colorectal resections and accelerating return to full activity.
Surgical team
Specialists responsible for your colorectal surgery
Prof. Julio Garcia-Aguilar (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York)
Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and holder of the Benno C. Schmidt Chair in Surgical Oncology. Principal investigator of the OPRA trial, which has redefined the global standard for organ preservation in rectal cancer. More than 25 years of experience in robotic colorectal surgery. He collaborates with our team on the Watch and Wait protocol and programme development.
Dr. Patricia Tejedor
Colorectal Surgeon
View profileDoctor in Medicine (Summa Cum Laude, UAM) and consultant at Hospital Gregorio Maranon's Colorectal Surgery Unit. Dual fellowship in robotic colorectal surgery (2019 and 2021). Over 100 scientific publications. Member of the British Journal of Surgery editorial board and ESCP programme committee.
Dr. Francois Quenet
Surgical Oncologist
View profileExpert in gastrointestinal oncological surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, and peritoneal surface malignancy. Over 30 years of experience in high-complexity oncological procedures at European reference centres.
Dra. Clara Montagut
Medical Oncologist
View teamMedical oncologist specialising in colorectal and gastrointestinal tumours. Responsible for perioperative systemic therapy and long-term follow-up coordination for colorectal cancer patients including Watch and Wait surveillance.
How it works
Patient journey for international patients
01
Send your reports and imaging via secure upload
Share your MRI, CT, operative reports, pathology, and current treatment summary. Our team will confirm receipt and request any missing information.
02
Multidisciplinary committee reviews your case within 48 h
The colorectal surgeon, medical oncologist, radiologist specialised in rectal MRI, and radiation oncologist review your case together. You receive a written summary with our recommendation.
03
Video consultation with the surgeon
You meet directly with Dr. Tejedor or Dr. Quenet via video. We explain the surgical plan, expected recovery, and the Watch and Wait option if applicable. In English, French, Italian, or Spanish.
04
We coordinate logistics and pre-operative preparation
Our international coordinator arranges pre-operative tests, travel timing, accommodation for you and your companion, and airport transfers. Most pre-op tests can be done locally before you arrive.
05
You arrive when surgery is fully planned
Typically 1-2 weeks before the surgical date. After a robotic colorectal resection, hospital stay is usually 3-5 days. Total time in Spain is approximately 2-3 weeks. Follow-up can be conducted remotely.
Why come to Spain for robotic colorectal surgery?
Da Vinci 5, the latest generation available
We use the fifth-generation Da Vinci system, with improved image resolution, enhanced haptic feedback, thinner instrumentation, and better ICG fluorescence integration. This is not available at all robotic surgery centres.
Watch and Wait: a genuine alternative to surgery
Not all centres offer Watch and Wait as a real clinical option. We have a structured programme, validated surveillance protocols, and direct collaboration with the team that led the OPRA trial. For eligible patients, avoiding major surgery is a genuine possibility.
Significantly lower cost than private care in the US or UK
Robotic colorectal surgery at a major private hospital in the UK or US typically costs 30,000-70,000 or more depending on the procedure. We provide a detailed quote after case review, at a fraction of these figures without compromising on outcomes.
Short waiting times and full logistical support
We can schedule surgery within 2-4 weeks of the decision to proceed. Our international patient coordinator handles every step, from document submission to your departure from hospital.
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.
M
Hace 5 anos
★★★★★
El Dr. Torrent me ayudo a tomar la mejor decision en un momento dificil. Pienso que es un gran profesional y una persona que es capaz de acompanar y ponerse en el lugar del otro. Gracias por todo.
M
Hace un ano
★★★★★
Excelentes profesionales, en especial el Dr. Torrent, pendiente en todo momento de la paciente (mi esposa), operada de pseudomixoma peritoneal. Nos ayudaron con todas nuestras necesidades puesto que veniamos de fuera de Barcelona. Gracias Elisabeth. Estamos muy agradecidos al Quenet Torrent Institute, gracias por todo.
Questions from international patients about robotic colorectal surgery
Who is on the surgical team for colorectal surgery?
The colorectal programme is led by Dr. Patricia Tejedor (dual fellowship in robotic colorectal surgery) and Dr. Francois Quenet. Watch and Wait cases are developed in collaboration with Prof. Julio Garcia-Aguilar (Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York), principal investigator of the OPRA trial. Dra. Clara Montagut leads the medical oncology component.
How long until I receive a response after sending my case?
We target a written response within 48 working hours. A multidisciplinary review is completed before we respond, so you receive a substantive medical opinion, not just an administrative acknowledgement.
Can I avoid surgery entirely with Watch and Wait?
Possibly, if you have locally advanced rectal cancer and achieve a complete clinical response after total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). Not all patients are candidates. Correct selection requires high-resolution rectal MRI, high-definition endoscopy, and specialist interpretation. We will assess your eligibility as part of the initial review.
Do you support international patients with travel and accommodation?
Yes. Our international patient coordinator handles pre-operative test planning, travel timing, accommodation near the hospital, and transfers. We aim to minimise the number of trips and the total time you need to spend in Spain.
What languages do consultations take place in?
English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Written communication is also available in these languages throughout the process.
How much does robotic colorectal surgery cost approximately?
After reviewing your case, we provide a detailed written quote that covers the surgical procedure, hospital stay, and standard post-operative care. The cost varies depending on the type of resection and hospital stay duration. We provide a full breakdown before you make any commitment to travel.
How long is the hospital stay after robotic colorectal surgery?
With ERAS protocols, most patients are discharged after 3 to 5 days. For more complex resections, the stay may be 5 to 7 days. You should plan to remain in Spain for 7 to 10 days post-discharge before travelling home, depending on your recovery.
Can my companion stay with me during hospitalisation?
Yes. Both Teknon in Barcelona and Memorial Publio Cordon in Madrid offer individual private suites with space for a companion to stay throughout the admission.
Request your colorectal surgery assessment
Send your imaging and reports. The team will review your case within 48 hours and tell you directly whether robotic surgery or Watch and Wait is the right path for you.
¿Dónde tratarse robotic colorectal surgery?
Operamos en dos hospitales privados de referencia en España. El mismo equipo médico te atiende en Madrid y Barcelona, con los mismos estándares quirúrgicos y oncológicos.
Madrid
Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón
Hospital privado en Pozuelo de Alarcón con equipo multidisciplinar especializado en cirugía oncológica digestiva y tecnología quirúrgica de vanguardia.
Ver hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Hospital privado de referencia internacional en Barcelona donde el equipo desarrolla su actividad de cirugía oncológica de alta complejidad.
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