Robotic spine surgery, more accurately defined as robot-assisted spine surgery, combines a surgeon’s expertise with advanced robotic technology to provide numerous benefits before, during, and after complex spine surgery.
Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Doherty and our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut, offer this innovative treatment for various painful spinal disorders.
Not everyone needs surgery for back or neck problems, and not everyone is a candidate for robotic spine surgery.
However, if conservative treatments fail and surgery becomes your best option, Dr. Doherty may recommend robotic spine surgery as a more effective alternative to traditional spine surgery.
Here’s why:
One key advantage of robotic spine surgery is its precision. Dr. Doherty uses the ExcelsiusGPS® platform, which provides real-time imaging and GPS-like navigation capabilities. This allows Dr. Doherty to plan and execute your surgery with incredible accuracy.
Preoperative imaging scans assist in precisely identifying the affected area and guide your surgeon to the targeted treatment site. Real-time imaging and data are available throughout the procedure to enhance accuracy and aid with intraoperative decisions.
The precision available through robotic surgery helps minimize trauma to surrounding tissue, improves surgical outcomes, and often leads to quicker patient recovery and reduced postoperative complications.
Robotic technology allows your Yale Neurosurgery New London surgeon to navigate complex spinal anatomy through small, minimally invasive incisions, resulting in less tissue damage and scarring.
Other benefits of minimally invasive procedures include reduced blood loss, decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
Patients undergoing robotic surgery versus traditional spine surgery typically experience a quicker return to their daily activities and significantly improved overall quality of life.
Robotic spine surgery provides a high level of customization, enabling Dr. Doherty to tailor the procedure to meet your specific needs.
For instance, if you require artificial disc replacement or laminectomy with spinal fusion, Dr. Doherty uses robotic technology to provide detailed information during preoperative planning. This helps him determine the optimal implant size, trajectory, and placement before beginning your procedure.
This personalized treatment approach can improve surgical accuracy and provide a better long-term outcome, as the procedure is tailored to address your specific spinal condition.
Robotic spine surgery's precision and minimally invasive nature contribute to a faster recovery and rehab outcome.
Pain is often a limiting factor in recovery and rehab following traditional spine surgery. With smaller incisions, you can expect to experience less postsurgical pain and discomfort after undergoing robotic spine surgery.
Additionally, the accuracy of robotic systems aids in preserving healthy tissue, offering minimal disruption to surrounding muscles, ligaments, and other structures.
These benefits of robotic spine surgery generally allow you to participate in rehab more quickly and thoroughly, often prompting a faster return to full mobility and routine activities.
Schedule an evaluation at Yale Neurosurgery New London today for more information about robotic spine surgery, and find out whether it’s right for you.
