Robotic Spine Surgery

Robotic Spine Surgery is a surgery where a robot provides guidance and support to the surgeon, employing minimally invasive methods that contribute to heightened accuracy and precision. Particularly in instances involving degenerative discs, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal column tumors, infection, fractures, and herniated discs, these approaches can result in smaller incisions, expedited recovery, reduced postoperative pain, and enhanced overall outcomes. Your healthcare providers will thoroughly assesses each patient and their specific condition to identify the most suitable form of treatment.

Why is Robotic Spine Surgery needed?

Surgeons choose Robotic Spine Surgery to address various conditions. Robotic systems have demonstrated successful application in the following spinal procedures:

• Treatment of degenerative disks, commonly through spinal fusion of spinal vertebrae involving minimal invasion from the anterior, lateral, and posterior aspects
• Corrections for conditions such as scoliosis
• Reparation of herniated discs
• Repair and stabilization via vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures
• Administration of anesthetic blockade for nerve pain
• Minimally invasive decompression
• Reoperation following prior surgeries for conditions like Spondylolisthesis, Stenosis, Spondylolysis, Vertebral Fractures, and Osteomyelitis
• Removal of tumors within the spine

Pre-evaluation process for Robotic Spine Surgery involves following steps:

• Pre-surgery Assessment: Before the surgical procedure, a comprehensive assessment of the patient's overall health, medical background, physical examination, neurological findings from imaging tests like X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, PET (positron emission tomography) scan, and other diagnostic evaluations is conducted. This evaluation empowers medical professionals to take preemptive measures to minimize the potential risks associated with the surgery. The surgeon will focus on identifying potential issues that may not manifest symptoms, such as high blood pressure, clotting problems, and kidney function.
• Medication Review: Disclose all medications, including those prescribed by a doctor, as well as vitamins, supplements, and other health-related substances. Adhere to your provider's prescription instructions precisely, as it significantly impacts the safety of the surgery and the recovery process.
• Support Planning: Recognize that there will be post-surgery restrictions, such as limitations on lifting and driving. Ensure that you have a support system in place at home to assist you until these restrictions are lifted.
• Anesthesia Planning: Consult with the anesthesiology team prior to the surgery to discuss anesthesia options and receive their recommendations.
• Blood Supply Planning: Although blood transfusions are rare, discuss potential options with your healthcare provider as a precautionary measure.
• Nicotine Use Review: If you use tobacco in any form, your provider will request that you cease before the surgery. Nicotine use, including smoking, vaping, or smokeless tobacco, can significantly impede the body's ability to heal and rebuild bone tissue, crucial for the surgery's effectiveness.
• Cleansing: Follow instructions provided by your healthcare provider and use supplied materials for cleansing on the day of or the day before the procedure.
• Eating and Drinking: You will get instructions from your provider regarding fasting, stopping food and liquids before the surgery for the specified duration.

Throughout the Robotic Spine Surgery, the goal is to optimize precision, minimize invasiveness, and enhance patient recovery. Its important to note that specific steps can vary based on the type of procedure and the particular robotic system being used. You can expect following during the procedure:

• Before surgery, the patient undergoes a process of registration where the robotic system precisely maps the patients anatomy. This mapping is crucial for accurate navigation during the procedure.
• In the operating room, the robotic system is calibrated and positioned based on the preoperative plan. This involves ensuring the accuracy of the robotic arms and instruments.
• The surgeon, seated at a console, operates the robotic system using a combination of hand and foot controls. The console provides a 3D view of the surgical site, and the surgeon controls the robotic arms with master controls.
• Throughout the surgery, real-time imaging tools like fluoroscopy or 3D navigation are employed to continuously monitor the progress and guide the surgeon and robot.
• The robot assists in making precise incisions based on the preoperative plan. These incisions are typically smaller and more targeted than traditional open surgeries.
• Robotic instruments, often with articulated arms, are used by the surgeon for various tasks, such as removing tissue, preparing bones, and placing implants. The robotic system enhances the surgeons precision.
• The surgeon can make real-time adjustments based on feedback from the robotic system and the evolving surgical situation. This adaptability is valuable for ensuring the best possible outcome.
• Once the surgical objectives are achieved, the incisions are closed. In minimally invasive procedures, closure may involve small sutures or adhesive strips.

As is the case with any surgical procedure, Robotic Spine Surgery may also involve general and procedure-specific risks. Common general risks associated with this surgery are:

• Potential reactions to anesthesia
• Postoperative pneumonia
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with the risk of pulmonary embolism
• Infection at the surgical site
• Blood loss necessitating transfusion

Procedure specific risks related to this surgery are:

• The risk of nerve or spinal cord injury leading to pain or, in rare cases, paralysis. The estimated risk of paralysis for major spinal reconstructions is approximately 1 in 10,000.
• Potential issues with surgical equipment, including breakage, dislodgment, or irritation of surrounding tissues.
• Pain arising from the surgical procedure itself.
• In rare instances, a robotic surgery may require a second trip to the operating room (OR) or a conversion from minimally invasive to a fully open technique if the intended surgery cannot be completed as planned.

Robotic Spine Surgery has the potential to reduce the recovery periods. Typically, individuals either return home on the same day or within one to two days, though the specific duration of hospital stay varies among individuals. In contrast, those undergoing traditional surgery usually remain in the hospital for three to five days.

Due to the minimally invasive nature of this technique, which minimizes disruption to muscles and soft tissues, postoperative pain tends to be less severe than that experienced after traditional open procedures. Although some discomfort is still expected, advancements in pain management facilitate more effective pain relief.

As part of your recovery strategy, your healthcare provider might recommend physical therapy depending upon the procedure and your overall physical condition. Tailored exercises will contribute to regaining strength, enabling a smoother transition back to work and daily activities.

Robotic Spine Surgery is a spinal intervention that involves a recovery process and adjustments to accommodate the changes made to the spine. Here are key aspects to consider:

• Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns.
• Physical therapy may be recommended by your provider post-surgery, typically commencing a few weeks after the procedure. Physical therapy aids in building strength, promoting healing, and helping you adapt to any changes in your back's movement following surgery.
• Addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery, as surgery and the associated lifestyle changes can impact mental health. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, friends, and family to navigate the emotional challenges of post-surgery life.

The advent of advanced navigation systems and robotic platforms marks a revolutionary phase in spine surgery. From the era of manual screw placement without image guidance, significant technological progress has transformed spine surgery, leading to greatly enhanced safety and quality of care.

In 2013, a study was conducted to compare three approaches for screw placement in an randomized controlled trial. These included Spine Robotic Surgery, fluoroscopy-guided placement, and freehand screw placement. The accuracy rates were 99.0%, 92.0%, and 97.5% for robot-assisted, fluoroscopy-guided, and freehand placement, respectively. This demonstrates the superior effectiveness of this surgical approach compared to others.

The cost of Robotic Spine Surgery in India is quite affordable than many Western nations, while still maintaining world-class quality. The approximate price of this procedure in India ranges from INR 7,05,000 ($8,500) to INR 16,60,000 ($20,000).

The type and severity of the spinal disorders, the location of the hospital or clinic, and the surgeon's experience are a few of the variables that can affect the cost of robotic spine surgery. Other factors include:

• Pre-surgery costs including diagnostic cost
• Surgery cost that includes fees of the surgeon, anesthesia, hospital room charges, and medications.
• Post-surgery costs including rehabilitation, medications, and follow-up appointments
• Availability of specialized facilities and equipment

Because of this, the cost of Robotic Spine Surgery might vary greatly depending on the patient's circumstances and the hospital or clinic they select. You can get an idea from a rough cost split.

The cost of diagnostics for Robotic Spine Surgery may include various preoperative evaluations and tests, such as blood test, urine test, and allergy test, that are typically conducted before the surgical procedure. These additional expenses can include diagnostic testing including CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and biopsies. These tests can cost anything between INR 40,000 and INR 50,000.

MedFlick, your trusted healthcare companion, is dedicated to ensuring that your medical journey goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.

• Individualized Guidance: Personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a broad network of prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: A full breakdown of treatment costs that eliminates surprises and offers you cost-effective solutions.
• MedFlick provides everything from travel arrangements to hotel and visa help to lodging.
• Multilingual Support: Breaking down language barriers to allow patients and medical professionals to communicate more effectively.
• The road to a successful robotic spine surgery is long and challenging, full of hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. With MedFlick as your guide, navigating this life-changing adventure becomes simple and liberating.