A UK hospital has unveiled robotic technology to treat spinal patients with greater accuracy and better outcomes.
From this month, the spinal surgery team at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough will implement the ExcelsiusGPS robotic-assisted spine system.
Acquired for £1 million, this world-class robotic navigation system provides spinal patients requiring spinal instrument implants with improved accuracy in implant placement and reduces surgery time.
The surgery is performed when the spine requires additional support or when a curved spine needs a procedure to straighten it.
The technology will help improve accuracy and safety whilst lowering infection risks, speeding up operations, and reducing blood loss.
Consultant Simon Tizzard will use the minimally invasive procedure to operate on spinal patients.
He believes that ‘the state-of-the-art robotic system’ will help reduce hospital stays and speed up recovery after surgery.
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.’
