Robot-assisted anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using retroperitoneal approach.
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.
Kim
Minji J
MJ
Neurosurgery, Spine and spinal cord Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea.
Ha
Yoon
Y
Yang
Moon Sool
MS
Yoon
Do Heum
DH
Kim
Keung Nyun
KN
Kim
Hoon
H
Yang
Joong Won
JW
Lee
John Y K
JY
Yi
Seong
S
Jung
Woo Joo
WJ
Rha
Koon Ho
KH
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