Fox Cities News

Rick P., a resident from the Waupaca area, recently shared his experience with colonoscopy and subsequent surgery to emphasize the importance of preventive screenings for colorectal cancer. Rick, who has been consistent with his health screenings due to a family history of colon cancer, underwent a colonoscopy in late 2024. This procedure revealed polyp growths in his colon that required removal.

These polyps, identified as tubulovillous adenoma, presented a higher risk of developing into colorectal cancer, a disease expected to cause nearly 53,000 deaths in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. Given the delicate location of the growths, removal was not possible during the colonoscopy alone.

Rick, aged 61 and semi-retired, sought further advice from Dr. Brian Hong, a general surgeon with ThedaCare and Surgical Associates of Neenah. Dr. Hong recommended surgery to address the recurring polyps. "These polyps are usually an indicator of a pre-cancerous condition," Rick quoted Dr. Hong saying.

Rick underwent a Robotic Ascending Colectomy performed by Dr. Hong at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca. This minimally invasive procedure is part of ThedaCare's offerings to provide comprehensive care, including in rural communities. Dr. Hong stated, “Providing robotic surgery access to Waupaca and our other rural communities can help reduce people’s need to travel long distances.”

ThedaCare’s use of the da Vinci surgical system allows surgeons to control robotic instruments for precise movements. Dr. Hong noted, “The da Vinci system allows for minimally invasive surgery and helps us do intricate work in hard-to-reach places.”

Describing his recovery process, Rick said he was up and walking just hours after the surgery, with managed pain and a hospital stay of approximately 48 hours. "Kudos to Dr. Hong and his team," Rick remarked. "He’s easy to talk to and has a great bedside manner."

Rick is now fully recovered and stresses the value of regular screenings, saying, “It’s preventive care and saves, I believe, a lot of pain and heartache down the road.” His message aligns with March's National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month efforts to raise awareness about the significance of such screenings.