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Robotic Surgery
Patients undergoing surgery often seek the best possible conditions and, consequently, the most advanced technology for their procedure.
Robotic Surgery and Its Evolution
Today, patients increasingly turn to robotic surgery, although the term remains unclear to many. Specifically, in abdominal surgeries, robotic surgery essentially represents the evolution of laparoscopic surgery, which replaced open surgeries. The term “robotic” is also used in spinal surgery, though it mainly refers to navigation technology in that context.
New Technology in Spinal Surgery
The installation of new technology at Hygeia Hospital has opened the gateway to the future for both patients and surgeons in spinal surgery. This involves next-generation O-ARM imaging and the MAZOR® robotic system.
These machines, combined with new materials and personalized (custom) production of implants (e.g., rods), ensure optimal outcomes in complex spinal fusion surgeries.
Surgeon Specialization and Surgical Advances
Beyond technological progress, tremendous steps have been made in all areas of spinal surgery. Chief among these is the full specialization of surgeons and the establishment of spinal surgery as a distinct specialty. The creation of dedicated spinal centers, along with the exclusive involvement of specialized surgeons—neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons—has advanced knowledge, optimizing both the safety and effectiveness of procedures.
The Role of Modern Anesthesia
Modern anesthesia and other specialties, such as rehabilitation physicians, also support spinal surgery. Today, general anesthesia is safer than ever, allowing virtually any procedure to be performed painlessly. Robotic surgery, like other minimally invasive methods, can also be performed under partial anesthesia when deemed appropriate by the surgeon.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
The benefits of robotic surgery continue to grow, making it the solution for an ever-expanding range of needs. Thanks to robotic capabilities, a patient can undergo a demanding procedure with minimal bleeding, reduced risk, and significantly less postoperative pain.
Predictive and Personalized Procedures
Databases of spinal anatomy, combined with specialized software, allow surgeons to plan the desired anatomical reconstruction in cases of severe deformity. Robotic surgery provides surgeons with unparalleled precision, enhancing safety. This allows not only millimeter-accurate screw placement in spinal fusions but also more complex interventions, such as intervertebral implants or spinal osteotomies, with full awareness of the surgical space, spinal anatomy, and preservation of proper spinal alignment (kyphosis and lordosis).
Reduced Recovery Time
Robotic surgery minimizes recovery time and significantly reduces the risk of postoperative complications. Due to the small incision size, typically no larger than one centimeter, it ensures an optimal cosmetic result, avoiding the large scars associated with traditional surgery. Minimally invasive techniques enable patients to return more quickly to daily activities and work, depending on the nature of the procedure.
Spinal Surgery in Elderly Patients and Return to Activity
Thanks to advances in medical knowledge and technology, virtually no patient is excluded from spinal surgery due to age or complex medical history. Patients over 80, who represent the majority of those with degenerative spinal issues, can now be treated effectively and safely. Rapid postoperative recovery is critical at this age to maintain quality of life, as prolonged immobility can lead to multiple health complications. Patients must strictly follow their surgeon’s postoperative instructions and, when necessary, work with a specialized physiotherapist.
The Importance of the Correct Surgical Method in Spinal Surgery
In summary, if patients follow basic surgical principles—choosing the appropriate surgical method and entrusting it to the right surgeon—spinal surgery today can achieve outstanding results, reflecting the progress made across all surgical fields. By investing in science and the tools it provides, we lay the foundation for a healthy future.
Χειρουργός Σπονδυλικής Στήλης
- Ο Χειρουργός Σπονδυλικής Στήλης/ Σκολίωσης Δρ. Ηλίας Χαρ. Παπαδόπουλος γεννήθηκε και μεγάλωσε στην Αθήνα. Αποφοίτησε με Άριστα από την Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών το 1994 και στη συνέχεια ειδικεύτηκε στην ορθοπαιδική, στην Α’ Ορθοπαιδική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών.
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