Dr. Warqaa Akram, colorectal surgeon with ECU Health Cancer Care, became the first surgeon in North Carolina to perform colorectal procedures using the da Vinci Single Port robotic platform. 

Akram completed the state’s first two single port colorectal surgeries on March 16 at ECU Health Medical Center.

The da Vinci SP system allows surgeons to perform complex colorectal procedures through a single small incision — which may be hidden in the belly button or along the waistline — rather than multiple incisions required in traditional minimally invasive surgery. 

Because the incision also serves as the extraction site, patients experience a single incision operation.

“This platform opens a new chapter in colorectal surgery, allowing us to offer patients advanced, minimally invasive care through a single small incision,” said Akram. “With improved visualization and greater precision, we can preserve healthy tissue and offer a less invasive option – tailored to each patient – for both cancerous and non‑cancerous conditions. Integrating this technology into ECU Health’s surgical oncology program further enhances our ability to deliver advanced, high‑quality surgical care close to home for the communities we serve.”

The da Vinci SP system provides enhanced visualization and access to angles previously difficult to reach. This allows surgeons to address polyps and tumors higher in the rectum that were difficult to treat in the past. 

ECU Health will use the SP platform for a wide range of colorectal procedures, including colon and rectal cancer resections, partial and total colectomies, surgery for inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis surgery, rectal prolapse repair, ostomy reversals and minimally invasive resections for select benign or early rectal tumors.

“Being able to offer this technology means patients in eastern North Carolina can receive advanced colorectal care close to home,” said Jay Briley, president of ECU Health Medical Center. “We are proud to be the first institution in the state to perform this single‑port robotic colorectal surgery, expanding access to innovative, minimally invasive treatment options. This milestone reflects our commitment to ensuring patients in our region don’t have to travel long distances to receive the highest level of care.”

ECU Health team members that were part of the new procedure include: Akram, Jennifer Bryant, RN, Paula Boyd, surgical technologist, and Smith Accius, surgical first assist.