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CINCINNATI (March 3, 2025) – The Christ Hospital Health Network is utilizing advanced robotic technology to aid in the recovery of colorectal cancer patients. Dr. Janice Rafferty and Dr. John Frankel, both board-certified colorectal surgeons at the hospital, specialize in minimally invasive surgery using the Da Vinci Xi robot. This approach has reduced the average length of stay for patients to less than three days, significantly below the national average of nearly ten days. Many patients are discharged the day after surgery with minimal incisions.
"Cases of colorectal cancer are on the rise," stated Dr. Rafferty. "With our highly specialized team of surgeons, surgical assistants, nurses and surgical technologists, patients have shorter recovery times and earlier return to normal activities after having robotic-assisted surgery. Investing in an advanced robotics program shows The Christ Hospital Health Network’s commitment to using the latest cutting-edge technology to treat and care for our community."
The American Cancer Society advises that screening colonoscopies should start at age 45 to detect colorectal cancer early. A colonoscopy typically lasts between 30-60 minutes with a brief post-procedure recovery period and can be scheduled through a primary care provider. Dr. Rafferty emphasizes that understanding family history, monitoring bowel habits, and early detection are crucial in combating colorectal cancer.
The Christ Hospital Health Network includes an acute care hospital in Mt. Auburn, a remote location in Liberty Township, eight outpatient centers, and numerous medical offices across the region. With over 1,300 physicians and 7,200 team members committed to improving community health affordably, it has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as Cincinnati's top hospital and was named on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list for 2025.
