Robotic spinal surgery is an innovative minimally invasive spine surgery that combines cutting-edge computer navigation and robotic technologies to enhance surgical precision. Spine surgeries performed under robotic guidance involve smaller incisions, fewer complications, and limit the patient’s exposure to radiation, making them safer and more effective.
Robotic Spine Surgery
Long Island
What is robotic spine surgery?
Meet Your Spine Surgery Specialist
Dr. Brian McHugh is currently one of the leading practitioners of robotic spinal surgery. He’s a board-certified neurological surgeon specializing in the latest cutting-edge minimally invasive spine surgery techniques, including robotic spine surgery on Long Island. He runs advanced diagnostic tests to diagnose the root cause of your spinal problems, creates a unique blueprint for your specific surgical case, and leverages his immense skills and experience to deliver predictable and reproducible results.
Am I a suitable candidate for robotic spinal surgery?
Dr. McHugh runs advanced diagnostic tests and physical exams to determine the root cause of all your problems. Robotic spinal surgery can treat most spinal problems, including spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, fractured vertebrae, spinal tumors, etc. However, you only qualify for a robotic spinal surgery if you’ve already gone through non-invasive treatment options.
You’re a suitable candidate for a robotic spinal surgery if:
- You have already gone through non-operative treatments, including corticosteroid injections, medications, and physical therapy.
- The non-invasive treatment options haven’t produced sufficient results.
- The spinal problems and symptoms are getting worse.
- You’re experiencing symptoms like loss of function, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
- Dr. McHugh recommends robotic spinal surgery.
What happens during robotic spinal surgery?
Overview
Like all spine surgeries, robotic spinal surgery also includes two components. First, decompression of the nerve roots and spinal cord by removing obstructions like bone spurs and disc herniation fragments. Second, stabilizing the spinal cord by fusing two or more vertebrae, a process that may include implants and bone grafting material.
During the day of the procedure, Dr. McHugh’s team will take medical images of your spine and import them into the robotic system. Dr. McHugh analyses these images to customize the ideal surgical plan according to your unique anatomy, determining the ideal location for the placement of your implants.
Dr. McHugh will create a treatment plan to guide the robotic arm to specific regions of the spine, allowing him to place the implants with greater precision and accuracy than traditional surgeries. The operating room will include a screen that displays the spine’s internal anatomy, guiding Dr. McHugh through every aspect of your spine surgery on Long Island.
Components of Robotic Spine Surgery
- Robotic Guidance: Instruments and screws are placed with the rigid robotic arm guidance, according to Dr. McHugh’s surgical plan.
- Navigation: Robotic technology provides a real-time visual feed for implant placement.
- Imaging: The procedure can be customized further with preoperative CT, intraoperative CT, and fluoroscopic guidance.
"I had tears when I saw the X-rays of the amazing work he did to fix my scoliosis, truly an amazing doctor! His bedside manner is the best of the best, he is funny and down to earth as an added bonus! All in all, BEST SPINE SURGEON there is!”
What are the benefits of robotic spinal surgery?
- Smaller incisions than traditional surgeries.
- Minimal soft tissue damage to the surrounding skin.
- The spine can be accessed without cutting the muscles.
- Minimal loss of blood.
- Enhanced accuracy because of a real-time virtual view of the spinal anatomy.
- Heightened precision with implant placements.
- Minimal exposure to radiation because the procedure doesn’t involve x-rays.
- The procedure concludes faster than traditional surgeries.
- Minimal recovery period.
- Minimal postoperative pain and discomfort.
- The incision scars heal quickly.
What does robotic spinal surgery treat?
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal instability
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolysis
- Spinal tumors
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Infections
- Fractured vertebrae
- Other degenerative problems
What happens during the robotic spinal surgery recovery?
Planning the procedure
Each patient has a unique anatomy necessitating a unique surgical procedure. Spinal surgeries necessitate careful planning and mapping according to the patient’s unique anatomy to ensure optimal results without complications. Robotic spinal surgery helps surgeons achieve greater levels of accuracy than ever before, accurately mapping the patient’s spinal regions to facilitate the procedure. The heightened accuracy and minimal scarring also facilitate quicker and smoother recovery than traditional surgeries.
The recovery process
On average, patients undergoing robotic spinal surgery spend approximately 27% less time in hospital recovery than traditional surgeries. Depending on the specifics of the procedure, complete recovery may take 12 weeks to 6 months. However, the recovery process will have to be accompanied by physical therapy and medications to ensure a smooth recovery. Over time, you’ll regain greater control over your spinal movements. You must follow Dr. McHugh’s post-operative care guidelines with absolute accuracy to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Contact us to schedule a consultation, or to learn more about spine surgery on Long Island.
