What is Robotic Spine Surgery?
Over the past decade, the use of all types of robotic surgery has greatly increased. Specifically, different types of robotic spine surgery have become more common in recent years. Robotic surgery generally aims to automate repetitive tasks that are subject to human error, leading to fewer medical errors. Robotic surgery is incredibly safe, but will certainly not replace orthopedic surgeons anytime soon.
Currently, robotic surgery simply assists orthopedic surgeons. With any robotic surgery, there is less pain during recovery, a lower infection risk, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, fewer hospital readmissions, and smaller scars.
Traditional Spine Surgery
Traditionally for spine surgery, neurosurgeons place instrumentation in the spine solely based on their knowledge of anatomy and X-rays. There is a high likelihood of error, especially due to the small incisions that are used during today’s minimally invasive procedures.
Additionally, spine surgery is time-consuming and laborious, leading to physical and mental fatigue for all surgeons. After their robotic spine surgeries, patients report minimal scarring and a faster recovery compared to patients who have only had traditional spine surgeries.
Depending on the specific procedure type, patients may be able to get out of bed shortly after anesthesia wears off and go home the same day or next day. After going home, patients will have to take it easy for a few days, not lift anything heavy, and will probably have to take medications for pain or constipation.
The Pros and Cons
All robotic surgery, specifically robotic spine surgery, does currently remain very expensive and is unfortunately not universally accessible. Information on the exact cost of robotic spine surgery is not published widely.
Many small practices and surgical centers cannot justify such a large initial investment to offer robotic spine surgery. However, as the technology becomes cheaper to manufacture, the cost of robotic surgery should go down.
Interestingly, a study showed that one surgery center saved $600,000 through adopting robotic spine surgery due to reduced surgical time, reduced infections, and the avoidance of repeat surgeries.
A Patient Optimized Procedure
After a keyhole spine surgery, many patients can go home on the same day of their operation, since the incision made is very small. Patients will usually recover after a few weeks following their surgeries, and can return to work depending on the nature of their jobs. After an endoscopic spine surgery, patients will usually return to their normal daily life activities within two weeks of their operation.
Doctors might recommend a robotic spinal fusion surgery for patients with broken vertebrae, chronic low back pain, spinal instability, and spinal weakness.
Spinal fusion involves fusing two or more vertebrae together, which immobilizes the vertebrae to prevent instability. Surgeons use a combination of a bone graft and the patient’s natural bone growth processes to promote spinal fusion. The vertebrae are permanently fused once the bone graft heals.
Using Robots for Spine Surgery
Medtronic is an international medical device company that develops robotic guidance technology for robotic spine surgeries, specifically their Maxor X Stealth robotic guidance system. It is considered to be one of the leaders in robotic spine surgery.
Surgeons use this robotic guidance technology, including the combination of a computer and specialized instruments, to visualize patients’ spines in real time and perform the surgery with precision. This technology provides 3-D images of patients’ anatomy that also assist surgeons in planning the surgery.
New Robotic Systems
There are several other companies that offer robotic guidance systems for spinal surgeries, including Globus Medical and Zimmer Biomet. Many medical device companies have been releasing new robotic guidance systems onto the market.
In terms of training for future robotic surgeons, there are several robotic surgery training programs available to surgeons throughout the country. However, information on the salaries of robotic surgeons and robotic surgery technicians/technologists is not widely available.
The Da Vinci Surgical System
The Da Vinci Surgical System is a robotic-assisted, minimally invasive option for hysterectomies. This surgical system is increasingly used by surgeons performing hysterectomies, as it provides a 3-D view of the surgical area.
A robotic hysterectomy usually takes 1-4 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case. During the surgery, patients lie on their backs in a position similar to the position they would lie in for a Pap smear.
Recovery after a robotic hysterectomy lasts only 3-4 weeks and is less painful, in comparison to the recovery after an abdominal hysterectomy.
