A Teesside hospital has become the first in the region to unveil a robotic technological phenomenon that aims to treat spinal patients with greater accuracy and improved outcomes.
The spinal surgery team at The James Cook University Hospital will be implementing the ExcelsiusGPS robotic-assisted spine system for patients awaiting spinal surgery from February.
The surgery is performed in cases where the spine requires extra support, or in cases of curved spines that require a procedure to straighten them. The technology will help to provide enhanced accuracy and safety whilst lowering infection risks, speeding up operation times, and reducing blood loss.
Consultant Simon Tizzard, who will be using the minimally invasive procedure to operate on spinal patients, believes that ‘the state-of-the-art robotic system’ will help reduce hospital stays while helping patients to recover from their surgery more quickly.
He said: “The ExcelsiusGPS represents the most advanced robotic spinal navigation system currently available worldwide.
“It is used in over 500 hospitals globally, performing complex spinal surgery and is the first-of-its-kind to be introduced in the region.
“Using the robot, which has a combination of active navigation-guidance and 3D spatial awareness, assisted implant positioning will enable the surgeon to perform surgery through smaller wounds. We are delighted and very excited to be able to offer this technology to our patients at James Cook.”
Paediatric surgical lead Prasad Karpe added:
We aim to adopt this technology to correct spinal curvatures such as scoliosis. The robot allows implants to be placed more precisely, while the surgeon remains in full control throughout the procedure.”
Prior to this, patients underwent an open traditional instrumented fusion procedure, which resulted in extended hospital stays and higher recovery timelines.
Service director for neurosciences clinical service unit (CSU) Manju Prasad, said: “At University Hospitals Tees, we are shaping the future of surgery to deliver exceptional care today.”
“Our investment in advanced spinal robotic technology gives surgeons unparalleled precision, helping ensure safer procedures and a more comfortable experience for every patient.”