J Minim Invasive Spine Surg Tech.  2021 Oct;6(2):83-89. 10.21182/jmisst.2021.00192.

Robotic Assistance Improves Efficiency for Navigated TLIF Surgery

• Simonetta B
• Engel C
• Hirschl R
• Matheus V

• KMID: 2562088
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21182/jmisst.2021.00192

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to assess whether robotic assisted surgery is more efficient, in terms of estimated blood loss (EBL), operating time, post-operative pain scores, hospital stay and discharge disposition, than standard navigated MIS techniques when performing a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed for 1,027 consecutive patients for a single spine surgeon. One-hundred patients who underwent either navigated MIS TLIF or robotic assisted MIS TLIF procedures were identified and included in the study. Primary outcome measures included EBL, operating time, post-operative pain scores, length of hospital stay and discharge disposition. Baseline demographic data, as well as outcome data, was recorded for each patient. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences between the two groups. Results: Patients who underwent robotic assisted MIS TLIF surgery had less intra-operative EBL (p=0.002), shorter operation time (p<0.001) and a shorter hospital stay (p=0.036) than those who underwent navigated MIS TLIF surgery without robotic assistance. There was no difference in discharge disposition or post-operative pain scores between the groups. Conclusion: The use of robotic assistance in conjunction with navigated MIS techniques can improve efficiency when performing TLIF surgery. Additional research into the benefits of robotic assisted spine surgery is warranted.

Keyword

Robotics; Navigation; Minimally invasive surgery; Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion; Efficiency