Interview Dr. Skander Bouassida

1. Dr. Bouassida, you lead the Visceral Oncology Center at Humboldt Hospital. What are the main areas of focus at your center?

Our center specializes in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular focus on colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, and other tumors of the abdominal organs. In addition, we treat a large number of complex benign conditions affecting the rectum and pelvic floor, such as fistulas, incontinence, and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases—both on an outpatient and inpatient basis.

Within our Department of Coloproctology, we operate as a specialized colorectal center with a strong interdisciplinary approach. We work closely with oncology, radiology, gastroenterology, radiation therapy, and pathology. For our patients, this means that all relevant specialties are closely integrated, treatment plans are highly individualized, and every case is regularly reviewed in multidisciplinary tumor board meetings.

2. What treatment techniques do you use?

In proctology, we utilize the full spectrum of modern surgical techniques: minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, advanced robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System, state-of-the-art laser technologies, as well as conventional open surgeries.

Our center is distinguished by an exceptional level of experience: more than 5,000 robot-assisted procedures, around 1,000 laser treatments, and over 1,000 specialized fistula surgeries have been performed by our team. These case numbers are not only a mark of quality—they provide our patients with one key benefit above all: confidence and safety.

3. Is robotic surgery with the Da Vinci system the only minimally invasive option?

No, it is not. Robotic surgery is a highly advanced and powerful tool, but it is not the only option. Conventional laparoscopy remains a well-established and effective minimally invasive technique.

However, robotic-assisted surgery significantly expands these possibilities. It allows for extremely precise, stable, and tissue-sparing procedures—particularly in complex tumor surgeries within the confined space of the pelvis, such as rectal cancer.

What matters most is not just the technology itself, but the experience of the surgical team and selecting the most appropriate method for each individual patient.

We are also pioneers in minimally invasive proctology. Gentle techniques such as laser therapy, plastic-reconstructive procedures, modern tissue-sealing devices, and standardized Botox treatments are routinely performed at our center with excellent outcomes.

4. What advantages does laser technology offer for patients?

Laser technology is particularly gentle and allows us to treat certain conditions—such as pilonidal disease, anal fistulas, or hemorrhoids—with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue.

For patients, this often means:

• Less pain
• Significantly smaller wounds and a reduced risk of wound healing complications
• Faster return to daily life
• A lower risk of functional impairments, such as incontinence

Especially in the sensitive anorectal region, this level of tissue preservation is of tremendous value.

5. What is your experience with long-term results after laser treatments?

Our long-term results are very encouraging. With careful patient selection and standardized treatment protocols, we see stable healing rates, high patient satisfaction, and a significant improvement in quality of life.

Many of our patients come to us after years of suffering. Seeing them return to a normal life—able to sit, work, exercise, or travel without pain—is both medically and personally very rewarding.

6. What would you like to say to patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer or proctological conditions who turn to your center?

Such a diagnosis is always distressing and overwhelming. Our goal is to combine medical excellence with genuine care.

We take the time to explain everything clearly, involve patients in decision-making, and support them throughout the entire journey—from the initial consultation to aftercare.

Modern technology is essential—but so are trust, experience, and compassion.

Our aim is not only to achieve healing, but also to preserve quality of life and dignity.