Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital > Departments > Lower GI Surgery

Lower GI Surgery

Colorectal and rectal surgery in Japan — sphincter preservation, da Vinci robotic surgery, and pelvic functional care. No waiting lists.

Why international patients choose us

  • Sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer — avoiding permanent colostomy where clinically appropriate
  • da Vinci robotic surgery for colorectal cancer — precision and minimally invasive treatment
  • Pelvic functional surgery for fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse
  • Systemic chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal cancer, with potential conversion to surgery
  • No waiting lists — treatment planning begins promptly after assessment

Full outcome data: Dr. Tokuhara’s profile and publications →

Surgeon’s experience

  • Approximately 1,400 operations as primary surgeon
  • Specialist in robot-assisted and laparoscopic colorectal surgery
  • Publications in Colorectal Disease, Surgical Endoscopy, and other peer-reviewed journals
  • Treatment planning emphasises both curability and quality of life

20 minutes from Kansai International Airport (KIX)

About Us

Colorectal surgical care at Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital is provided by
Katsuji Tokuhara, M.D., Ph.D., specialising in colorectal and rectal cancer.

Treatment is planned with consideration of both curability and quality of life.
Minimally invasive techniques — including robot-assisted (da Vinci) and
laparoscopic surgery — are used where appropriate.
Multimodal treatment combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is provided when indicated.

For patients with unresectable colorectal cancer, systemic chemotherapy is introduced
based on established clinical guidelines. In selected cases, tumour response may allow
subsequent curative surgery.

In addition to cancer care, we provide specialist treatment for
fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse,
conditions that significantly affect daily life and may be improved with surgical management.

Clinical Leadership

Colorectal surgical care is led by Katsuji Tokuhara, M.D., Ph.D.,
Chief of Colorectal Surgery and Director of the Regional Medical Cooperation Center.

He specialises in robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer
and has performed approximately 1,400 operations as primary surgeon.
Treatment planning emphasises both curability and quality of life, with multidisciplinary collaboration as needed.

Full profile and publications →

Services

Appointments are recommended. A referral from another medical institution is helpful.
Emergency cases are accepted through the Emergency Department.

Key Procedures

Sphincter-preserving surgery
For rectal cancer, we aim to preserve the anal sphincter and avoid permanent colostomy
where clinically appropriate. Robot-assisted surgery enables precise dissection
in the narrow pelvic space.

da Vinci robotic surgery
Used for colectomy, rectal resection, and pelvic surgery.
Robot-assisted techniques provide enhanced visualisation and instrument control,
particularly beneficial for low rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Minimally invasive resection for colon and rectal cancer,
including standard colorectal procedures.
Smaller incisions and reduced recovery time compared to open surgery.

Pelvic functional surgery
Surgical treatment for fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse,
with evaluation of pelvic floor function and tailored operative planning.

Systemic chemotherapy
For unresectable colorectal cancer, chemotherapy is introduced based on current guidelines.
In selected cases, tumour response allows conversion to surgical treatment.

Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection
For advanced low rectal cancer, performed laparoscopically or robot-assisted
to reduce local recurrence risk.

When to Visit / When to Call ER

Visit this department if:

  • You have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having colorectal or rectal cancer
  • You are seeking sphincter-preserving surgery
  • You would like evaluation for robot-assisted or laparoscopic colorectal surgery
  • You have fecal incontinence, rectal prolapse, or chronic bowel symptoms
  • You are seeking treatment in Japan due to long waiting times in your home country

Call ER immediately if:

  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain with fever or vomiting
  • Suspected appendicitis (right lower abdominal pain, fever, nausea)
  • Severe abdominal distension or inability to pass stool or gas
  • Sudden severe abdominal pain with a rigid abdomen
  • Significant rectal bleeding with dizziness or fainting

Emergency Room: open 24/7. Walk-in accepted for emergencies.

Treatment Flow

  1. 1

    Initial consultation and assessment

    Medical history, symptoms, and imaging are reviewed. Pre-travel assessment is available for overseas patients.

  2. 2

    Treatment planning

    A personalised plan is developed based on diagnosis and clinical condition.

  3. 3

    Treatment and hospitalisation

    Surgery or chemotherapy is performed with a focus on safety and functional outcomes.

  4. 4

    Follow-up

    Post-treatment follow-up and coordination of ongoing care.

Contact

Patients from overseas

Contact us from overseas

Start with a brief message to our International Medical Support Department.
Please include your diagnosis, current condition, and the type of consultation or treatment you are seeking.
We will review your case and guide you through
the next steps.

International Treatment Services — full details →