title: Robot-assisted anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using retroperitoneal approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the past few years, robot-assisted surgery has become increasingly popular, affecting virtually all surgical fields. It has been proven to overcome pitfalls of laparoscopic procedures, such as high complication rates and steep learning curve. We have, therefore, performed experimental anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using retroperitoneal approach in swine model to test the feasibility of robot-assisted surgery in spinal surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this report, we describe the setup with the da Vinci surgical system, operative method, result and discuss technical aspects and the future of robot-assisted ALIF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Experimental retroperitoneal dissection using robotic surgical system was successfully performed with great visual cue, minimal retraction and minimal bleeding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although retroperitoneal approach for spinal fusion has never been attempted with robotic surgical system, we could demonstrate the possibility with swine model. Further studies and development of appropriate instruments will bring minimally invasive spine surgery to a new era.
authors: Neurosurgery, Spine and spinal cord Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea.
authors: Minji J
authors: MJ
authors: Kim
authors: Yoon
authors: Y
authors: Ha
authors: Moon Sool
authors: MS
authors: Yang
authors: Do Heum
authors: DH
authors: Yoon
authors: Keung Nyun
authors: KN
authors: Kim
authors: Hoon
authors: H
authors: Kim
authors: Joong Won
authors: JW
authors: Yang
authors: John Y K
authors: JY
authors: Lee
authors: Seong
authors: S
authors: Yi
authors: Woo Joo
authors: WJ
authors: Jung
authors: Koon Ho
authors: KH
authors: Rha
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009873:Operating Rooms; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013552:Swine; D013996:Time and Motion Studies