Our Summary
This research paper reviews the outcomes of spine surgeries performed with the help of robots compared to those done by hand. The study looks at how accurate the surgeries are, how much radiation is used, how long the surgeries and hospital stays last, and how often complications occur. The need for this review comes from the fact that screws are often misplaced in traditional surgeries, leading to the development of robotic surgeries.
The authors looked at studies related to using robots to help place pedicle screws in the spine. They found 32 articles that met their criteria.
The results showed that the accuracy of placing screws and the rate of complications were as good or better with robot-assisted surgeries. However, surgeries tended to take longer when a robot was used. The amount of radiation used varied from study to study, but it did decrease over time as more robotic surgeries were performed, suggesting that doctors get better with practice. Patients who had multiple-level procedures were discharged earlier when the surgery was performed with the help of a robot.
The authors conclude that robotic technology provides a consistently accurate method of placing pedicle screws. However, surgeons should continue to check the screw placement as soft tissue pressures, forceful surgical application, and bony surface skiving can change the drilling pathways. The real impact of robot assistance on radiation exposure, length of hospital stay, and operative time is still unclear and needs to be studied more.
FAQs
- How does the accuracy of placing screws in spinal surgeries compare between robot-assisted surgeries and traditional surgeries?
- Does the use of robots in spinal surgeries affect the length of the surgery or the patient’s hospital stay?
- What impact does the use of robotic assistance have on the amount of radiation exposure during spinal surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to discuss the option of robot-assisted surgery with their surgeon. Robot-assisted surgeries have been shown to provide accurate placement of screws in the spine, potentially reducing complications. However, patients should be aware that these surgeries may take longer and the impact on radiation exposure, length of hospital stay, and operative time is still being studied. It’s important for patients to have an open and informed discussion with their surgeon about the best approach for their specific case.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with spinal instability, spinal deformities, spinal tumors, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and spinal fractures. These patients may be experiencing symptoms such as chronic back pain, numbness or weakness in the extremities, difficulty walking, and loss of bowel or bladder control. Spinal surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections have not provided sufficient relief.
Patients who are considering spinal surgery should undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if they are good candidates for surgery. Factors such as the location and severity of the spinal condition, the patient’s overall health, and their goals for surgery will be taken into consideration when deciding on the best course of treatment. Patients with certain medical conditions such as severe osteoporosis, uncontrolled diabetes, or active infections may not be good candidates for spinal surgery.
It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of spinal surgery with their healthcare provider and to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. In some cases, non-surgical treatments may be sufficient to manage the patient’s symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, for those patients who do require spinal surgery, advancements in technology such as robotic-assisted surgery may offer improved accuracy and outcomes.
Timeline
Before spinal surgery:
- Patient consults with a spine specialist to discuss symptoms and treatment options.
- Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are performed to determine the extent of the spinal issue.
- Patient undergoes pre-operative appointments and tests to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
- Surgical plan is developed, including the use of robotic assistance if applicable.
After spinal surgery:
- Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room.
- Pain management is provided to help with post-operative discomfort.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation may begin shortly after surgery to help with recovery.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
- Depending on the success of the surgery, the patient may experience improved mobility, reduced pain, and better overall quality of life.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery include:
- What are the potential risks and benefits of robot-assisted spine surgery compared to traditional surgery?
- How experienced are you in performing robot-assisted spine surgery?
- How long will the surgery take, and how long will I need to stay in the hospital?
- How accurate is the placement of pedicle screws with robot-assisted surgery?
- What is the expected level of radiation exposure during the surgery?
- How do you ensure the safety and effectiveness of the robotic technology during the surgery?
- What is the recovery process like after robot-assisted spine surgery?
- What are the potential complications or side effects associated with robot-assisted spine surgery?
- Are there any specific criteria that make me a good candidate for robot-assisted spine surgery?
- How many robot-assisted spine surgeries have you performed, and what are your success rates?
Reference
Authors: Ghasem A, Sharma A, Greif DN, Alam M, Maaieh MA. Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2018 Dec 1;43(23):1670-1677. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002695. PMID: 29672420