Medical procedures have become more effective over the past 20 years. This improvement in medical practices, processes and procedures has a lot to do with technology advancements. These advancements have even changed how people receive surgical procedures. The changes also includes how spinal surgery is conducted. Keep reading to discover the new development known as robotic spine surgery. This particular surgical technique is changing how surgeries are carried out and performed.
What exactly is robotic spine surgery?
Robotic spine surgery is a surgical method that utilizes a robotic arm with “finger-like” attachments that are used to perform surgery on patients. The attachments could have scalpel like instruments attached to the end, needles or even lasers. The unit is controlled by a team (or one highly skilled person) of surgeons.
The robotic unit is manipulated to make precise and delicate incisions into a person’s body. The surgeons who control this technology are trained in basic and advanced surgical procedures. They also are trained to understand the robotic technology they are utilizing for performing this procedure.
How long has robotic surgery been in use?
Robotic surgery has been around since the early 1980s. However, the first procedure performed with this technology was conducted in 1985. Since that time, this technology was slow to catch on though it was available. By the year 2000 a robotic surgical technology known as the da Vinci Surgery System redefined this method. This system had cameras, outstanding software and other updated features that made the FDA finally give this procedure acceptance into western medicine.
By 2005 more and more hospitals were including this machine into their repertoire of surgical techniques. Since that time the process has improved significantly with highly advance software, features and robotic functions. By 2016 many hospitals and medical facilities were frequently using this process and by 2018 it is basic technology that is available to many medical hospitals and facilities.
Surgery from the Outside
One important advantage of robotic surgery is its ability to perform surgery without having a doctor in the room. Instead a team of surgeons will be guiding the unit from behind a wall while looking through a window and using cameras. This feature allow surgeons to place patients into germ free environments and to perform surgical procedure without risking infection or some other mishap that is common to opening the torso.
How much does this procedure cost?
The cost associated with robotic technology is high. Many insurance companies do not cover this type of procedure though some do. Depending the type of surgery being performed a person can expect to pay at least $20,000 for this type of procedure. This is a conservative estimate by many hospitals. Some surgeons expect this process to cost about $100,000 on average. Robotic surgery is effective but it is not cheap.
Robotic surgery is a great surgical function that will help people to receive treatment and healing. This process is now being used by more hospitals. It is a very precise and accurate method that reduces a person’s risk associated with surgery and it helps to produce better results after the procedure is completed.
To see whether you are eligible for a robotic surgery, see a local spine specialist or Joshua S. Rovner, MD – Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics if you are from New Jersey.
