Robotic colon surgery helps Joliet man survive cancer for the second time

Fourteen years after recovering from testicular cancer, Raul Requena, a 49-year-old grandfather from Joliet, Illinois, discovered that cancer returned elsewhere in his body. Symptoms of frequent vomiting and urinating led him to visit his primary doctor, who ordered an upper endoscopy screening to monitor his Barrett’s esophagus, a condition he had been managing. 

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach gets damaged by stomach acid. This damage can increase the risk of cancer in the esophagus. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection when diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. The surveillance upper endoscopy screening revealed that Raul had developed stomach cancer and a small ulcer. His doctor referred him to Dr. Bipan Chand, a gastrointestinal surgeon and advanced endoscopist at Ascension Resurrection for further treatment.

Treating gastric cancer with advanced, minimally invasive technology

For Raul, the referral meant a 45-minute drive each way, but it was worth it for the compassionate and personalized care from Dr. Chand and his team. Raul feels grateful for having a team that respected him, took excellent care of him, and helped him bounce back.

To treat Raul’s gastric cancer, Dr. Chand and his team used the minimally invasive robotic surgical system. This advanced technology helps doctors perform surgeries with smaller incisions, allowing for precise movements and giving doctors a clear 3D view inside the body, making surgeries safer and helping patients recover faster. Dr. Chand also educated Raul before and after his procedure, which included a weight loss plan to shrink Raul’s liver and ease the surgery for Raul’s body. Having the right information and mindset before surgery is another reason both Dr. Chand and Raul felt confident and optimistic about the results. 

Faster recovery time with robotic-assisted surgery

Since Raul’s treatment had an option of minimally invasive surgical procedure, Dr. Chand did not cut through muscle or tissue to reach the affected area. That in turn leads to a shorter procedure, with patients now being able to do similar surgeries on an outpatient basis. There is an added benefit of less pain, scarring, blood loss, and lower risk of infection. During recovery, Raul noticed all the benefits of robotic assistance, mainly his faster and more comfortable recovery compared to his wife who had a similar procedure experiencing a longer and more painful recovery.

Making lifestyle changes before and after surgery

Ascension Resurrection is dedicated to caring for you and your family through education and active participation in your care. Dr. Chand and his team made sure Raul understood his condition, the procedures involved, and the necessary lifestyle changes for a successful recovery. This approach not only improves outcomes but also supports you in feeling more in control and supported throughout your treatment.

It can be challenging to make lifestyle changes for better health. For Raul, giving up his favorite soda and reducing his sodium intake were major adjustments, but they were important in his recovery journey.

Our hospital is one of the few in Illinois with access to advanced robotic surgical systems. This leading-edge technology allows our surgeons to perform procedures with great accuracy and control, making recovery faster and outcomes better for our patients. We are committed to providing excellent care and offering these advanced treatments to our community.

Don’t delay your annual health screenings

At Ascension Resurrection, we’re dedicated to your digestive health. Our expert team diagnoses and treats a wide range of gut disorders, including Barrett’s esophagus, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, stomach ulcers, and more. Your well-being is our priority — trust us for comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

Choosing Ascension means getting access to screenings, colonoscopy, advanced diagnostic tests and endoscopic procedures. Screenings such as upper endoscopy, lower endoscopy, and colonoscopy are important to catch problems before they get worse and keep patients healthy. Raul said, “I’m a bit of a hard-headed person, but I am glad I listened to my doctors and got screenings done. It’s always important to pay attention to your doctor's advice and keep up with your appointments.” 

Now, Raul can fully enjoy time with his children and grandchildren, continue living a happy life with his wife, and spend time on the lake fishing. 

Doctors at Ascension Resurrection recommend colon screenings starting at age 45, or earlier if you have a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer. If you have Barrett’s esophagus, it’s important to have regular screenings to catch any problems early. How often you need to be screened depends on your condition and your doctor’s care plan. To learn more about your digestive health, or to schedule your endoscopy screening, please visit us here.