Robot-Assisted Spine Surgery?
What is
Robot-assisted spine surgery is an emerging technology that involves the use of robots to assist in surgical procedures on the spine. Robot-assisted spine surgeries are minimally invasive or open surgeries where a robotic arm assists the surgeon in performing the surgery. The goal of this specialized surgery is to improve the accuracy and precision of the surgery, with reduced risk of complications and faster recovery times for patients.
The key difference between traditional spine surgery and robot-assisted spine surgery is that the traditional method is hands-on, meaning the surgeon uses his/her hands and instruments to access and treat the spine, but in robotic surgery, the procedure is implemented by the robot, which is guided by a surgeon. A popular misconception about robotic spine surgery is that the robot performs the surgery—which is not true. The robotic arm is not capable of moving on its own; a surgeon pre-programs the robot and controls every movement of the robotic arm using a console that is connected to the robot’s apparatus.
What are the advantages
for the patient of using robot-assisted navigation?
The development of minimally invasive spinal surgery utilizing navigation and robotics has significantly improved the feasibility, accuracy, and efficiency of this surgery. In particular, these methods provide improved accuracy of pedicle screw placement, reduced radiation exposure, and shortened learning curves for surgeons. Robot-assisted spine surgery is a sophisticated technique that involves the use of specialized robotic platforms during surgical procedures to improve the precision of surgeons’ movements in complex procedures and small anatomical spaces. RS allows for the filtering of hand tremors, thereby improving flexibility and minimizing involuntary inaccuracies. As a result, it leads to decreased time in surgery and blood loss, fewer surgical complications such as surgical site infection, less pain, shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, and smaller, less noticeable scars.
FAQ
Are robotic surgeries safer than conventional ones?
Although spine surgeries with conventional methods are extremely safe, the use of robot- assisted navigation technology makes them even safer.
Does it cost more? Is it covered by insurance?
The extra cost is mainly for the consumables needed for the robot and the navigation tools. The use of robotic systems in spine surgery can be cost-effective through potential reduced need for revision surgeries, lower infection rates, potential shortened patient length of stay, and shorter surgical time. Ultimately, these back-end cost savings are what pay for the robot.
In terms of cost to patients, insurance most often covers the use of the robotic surgery upon special approval.
Dr. Konstantinos A. Starantzis is a certified user of the Excelsius GPS robotic navigation technology.
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