Photo supplied
Tom Evans is one of the first patients to benefit from a new rectal cancer procedure at Intermountain Health using 3D technology. Because of its precise accuracy, Evans was able to have all of his cancer removed without damaging surrounding organs.
Intermountain Health is the first in the nation to use a new tool using a 3D computer model for rectal cancer surgery.
The new technology, called Iris, guides surgeons during robotic rectal cancer surgery, which makes the procedure more effective and accurate for patients undergoing treatment.
Iris converts MRI images taken before surgery into 3D, showing the anatomy and location of the tumor.
“The benefit of this technology is like having a 3D map before you go into a maze,” said Dr. Tae Kim, a colorectal surgeon at Intermountain LDS Hospital. Kim, who is the first physician to use Iris for this type of surgery, said surgeons know when and where they can be fast and efficient, as well as when and where they have to go slow and deliberate to make sure they get all of the cancer.
The technology also helps patients better understand the complexity of the procedure and the anatomy. Kim said he uses the 3D model during his preoperative patient visits so he can explain it to them before surgery.
“It’s a very powerful tool to educate the patients and to reassure them that we have a very clear plan,” he said.
Tom Evans, a 50-year-old who was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2022 and recently had a recurrence of the disease, underwent the surgery, which took approximately five hours. Because of the precision of the technology, all of the cancer was removed.
Kim told Evans the cancer came very close to his bladder, but because of the new technology, he was able to avoid the organ and keep it safe.
“It was remarkable,” Evans said.
Since Intermountain Health is one of only two health systems in the nation approved to use the technology, Evans said he didn’t realize he was making history at the time of his surgery.
“I’m very grateful and I’m sure the 500th person will be grateful, too, to have a better quality of life,” Evans said. “Make sure you get checked, see your doctor and get your colonoscopies.”
Newsletter