Our Summary

Robotic surgery is increasingly being used in spinal operations due to its potential to improve accuracy, safety and enable less invasive procedures. Currently, it’s mostly used to assist with the precise placement of screws in the spine, which has been shown to be safe and accurate. However, the impact of robotics on overall patient outcomes isn’t fully clear yet. This paper reviewed various studies on the topic from the last ten years. The findings suggest that robotic surgery can improve safety and accuracy, shorten surgery time, and reduce radiation exposure for patients and medical staff. Robots can also perform repetitive movements with more precision than humans, potentially improving surgical outcomes. However, more research is needed to see if robotic surgery can reduce costs and improve patient outcomes, such as reducing the need for additional surgeries due to incorrectly placed screws.

FAQs

  1. Why is robotic surgery increasingly being used in spinal operations?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using robots in spinal surgeries?
  3. Is there any evidence that robotic surgery can reduce costs and improve patient outcomes in spinal operations?

Doctor’s Tip

It’s important to discuss with your surgeon about the use of robotic technology in your spinal surgery and understand the potential benefits and risks. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and participating in physical therapy as recommended can help optimize your surgical outcome and long-term spinal health.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for spinal surgery include those with severe back pain or neck pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. Other conditions that may warrant spinal surgery include spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, spinal deformities (such as scoliosis), and spinal tumors. Patients with neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs may also be candidates for spinal surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo spinal surgery should be made in consultation with a spine surgeon who can evaluate the individual’s specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  • Patient meets with a spine specialist to discuss treatment options
  • Patient undergoes various imaging tests to determine the extent of the spinal issue
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments to manage symptoms
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions

After spinal surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room immediately after surgery
  • Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days or go home the same day, depending on the type of surgery
  • Patient may need to wear a brace or undergo physical therapy to aid in recovery
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns
  • It may take several weeks to months for the patient to fully recover and return to normal activities

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of spinal surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. How will robotic surgery be used in my spinal operation?
  3. What are the potential benefits of using robotic surgery in my case?
  4. Are there any potential risks or limitations associated with robotic spinal surgery?
  5. How experienced are you in performing robotic spinal surgeries?
  6. How will robotic surgery impact my recovery time and overall outcome?
  7. Will I need any additional follow-up procedures or surgeries after the robotic spinal surgery?
  8. What are the potential costs associated with robotic spinal surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides robotic spinal surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources about robotic spinal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Molliqaj G, Paun L, Nouri A, Girod PP, Schaller K, Tessitore E. Journal: World Neurosurg. 2020 Aug;140:664-673. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.05.132. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32445895