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.
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.
Robotic Spinal Surgery FAQs
What is the most common and most successful spine surgery?
According to Dr. Brian McHugh, one of the most advanced and successful spine surgeries is robotic spinal surgery, which offers improved precision, reduced blood loss, and shorter hospital stays than its counterparts. With its 3D imaging and surgical planning, it can offer customized treatment for each patient’s unique anatomy. Consider discussing this option with your spine surgeon to determine if it’s right for you.
How long is the hospital stay for spinal surgery?
Patients undergoing spinal surgery typically require some time in the hospital to recover. However, with technological advances, such as robotic spinal surgery, hospital stays have been significantly reduced. Patients undergoing robotic spinal surgery spend approximately 27% less time in hospital recovery than traditional surgeries. This means that patients can often return to normal activities sooner and enjoy quicker recovery.
How long does it take to walk after spinal surgery?
After spinal surgery, patients are encouraged to walk and move around as soon as the day after the procedure. Depending on the type of surgery, patients may be discharged within 1 to 4 days. While it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to reach expected levels of mobility and function, following a rehabilitation program and adhering to post-operative instructions from your surgeon can help ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Is spinal surgery a high-risk surgery?
Spinal surgery is a complex procedure, and like any surgery, it carries some risks, such as infections and nerve injuries. However, with robotic spinal surgery, risks can be significantly reduced. Robotic surgery offers improved precision and a minimally invasive approach, resulting in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times with minimal risks.
When is spine surgery necessary?
Spine surgery is typically considered a last resort when other non-surgical treatments have failed to alleviate the patient’s symptoms. Surgery may be necessary to address various spinal conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease. The decision to undergo spinal surgery should be made after a thorough evaluation and discussion with Dr. Brian McHugh.
How much does spine surgery cost?
The cost of spine surgery can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, including the type of surgery, the location of the hospital, and the patient’s insurance coverage. On average, spine surgery can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It’s important to speak with your spine surgeon to understand the potential costs and options for payment.
