Top Israeli Surgeon Discusses Cancer Prevention and Medical Technology Advancements

Professor Pethahiah Reisman, a leading Israeli surgeon and former head of surgery at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, is urging the public to adopt a culture of preventative screening, particularly for colorectal cancer, which he notes is increasingly affecting younger individuals. He emphasizes that early detection through colonoscopies can prevent the disease, as cancerous growths often begin as benign polyps that can be removed.

Reisman highlighted a concerning global rise in colorectal cancer, especially among those in their 20s and 30s, prompting recommendations in the US to lower the screening age to 45 for asymptomatic individuals. For those with a first-degree relative diagnosed with the cancer, he advises starting colonoscopies twenty years prior to the relative's diagnosis age. He also stressed the importance of lifestyle factors, recommending regular physical activity and a healthy diet while cautioning against over-reliance on weight-loss injections for healthy individuals.

Looking towards the future of medicine, Professor Reisman described a revolution occurring in operating rooms, moving from large incisions to minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and now into the era of robotic surgery. He foresees artificial intelligence playing a crucial role as a "co-pilot" for surgeons, providing real-time alerts for critical structures and potentially preventing errors. AI is already assisting gastroenterologists in identifying small polyps during colonoscopies, and new technologies are being developed, including systems that highlight critical anatomical structures during surgery.

Reisman also touched upon experimental autonomous robotic surgeries, citing an example of a gallbladder removal performed almost independently by a robot at Johns Hopkins, with a surgeon supervising. While not expecting immediate replacement of human surgeons, he believes this indicates the future direction of the field. Despite technological advancements, he asserted that human expertise remains paramount in healthcare. He praised Israel's advanced medical system, calling it a "medical miracle," achieved despite significant resource shortages, attributing its success to the dedication of its healthcare professionals.