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Robot-assisted anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using retroperitoneal approach

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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.

Method

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.

Findings

Experimental retroperitoneal dissection using robotic surgical system was successfully performed with great visual cue, minimal retraction and minimal bleeding.

Conclusion

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurosurgery, Spine and spinal cord Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea

    Minji J. Kim, Yoon Ha, Moon Sool Yang, Do Heum Yoon, Keung Nyun Kim, Hoon Kim, Joong Won Yang & Seong Yi

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    John Y. K. Lee

  3. Department of Urology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea

    Woo Joo Jung & Koon Ho Rha

  4. da Vinci training Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea

    Yoon Ha, Woo Joo Jung & Koon Ho Rha

Authors
  1. Minji J. Kim
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  2. Yoon Ha
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  3. Moon Sool Yang
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  4. Do Heum Yoon
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  5. Keung Nyun Kim
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  6. Hoon Kim
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  7. Joong Won Yang
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  8. John Y. K. Lee
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  9. Seong Yi
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  10. Woo Joo Jung
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  11. Koon Ho Rha
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yoon Ha.

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Kim, M.J., Ha, Y., Yang, M.S. et al. Robot-assisted anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using retroperitoneal approach. Acta Neurochir 152, 675–679 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0568-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0568-y

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