Da vinci robot used in anterior lumbar interbody fusion

(HealthDay)—The da Vinci Robotic Surgical System can be used for anterior lumbar interbody fusion, according to a case report published in the Feb. 15 issue of Spine.

William J. Beutler, M.D., from the PinnacleHealth System in Harrisburg, Pa., and colleagues developed the da Vinci robotic assisted laparoscopic anterior lumbar fusion procedure in porcine and cadaver models. The surgical techniques were modified and used on a first patient with fusion.

The researchers report that with the da Vinci robot the anterior transperitoneal approach to the lumbar spine was accomplished with enhanced visualization and dissection capability, with maintenance of pneumoperitoneum. Minimal blood loss was experienced. Using of the robot system resulted in better visualization inside the disc space and surrounding structures than with current open and laparoscopic techniques.

"The da Vinci robot Surgical System technique continues to develop and is now described for the transperitoneal approach to the anterior lumbar spine," write the authors.

One or more authors disclosed financial ties to a commercial entity.