Robotic Spinal Surgery in Swindon

Surgical robots are tools used by surgeons to aid them as they operate. The surgeon remains in control, using the advanced technology of the robotic tool to aid them in their work. Robotic spine surgery is any surgical procedure on the spine where a robotic tool is used.

The Mazor™ can be used to perform many common procedures, including robotic spinal fusion surgery, robotic spinal decompression, and robotic discectomy. These are just a few of our most commonly performed spinal operations, and if you are interested in another type of spinal surgery, please do get in touch directly.

At The Ridgeway Hospital, Mr Orpen uses the Mazor™ robotic system, which is renowned for its revolutionary approach to spine surgery. By incorporating advanced robotics and navigation, it enables Mr Orpen to perform procedures with an unprecedented level of accuracy. This precision not only optimises surgical outcomes but also significantly reduces the risk of complications, ensuring a safer experience for patients. Other benefits can include a reduced time in theatre and improved overall outcomes for patients.

One of the most significant benefits to patients is the potential reduction in surgery duration. The Mazor™ system streamlines the surgical process, allowing for quicker, more efficient procedures. This decrease in time under anaesthesia not only minimises potential risks but also facilitates a faster recovery, enabling patients to return to their daily activities sooner.

One element of spinal surgery (fusion surgery) involves the placement of metal screws into the spine to facilitate stability while the spine fuses over time. These screws need to be placed accurately, both to avoid damage to spinal nerves and blood vessels, and to ensure they don’t move at all. No matter their experience, there is still a risk that any surgeon could place these incorrectly and so lead to complications that lead to poorer outcomes for the patient, or even require further surgery to correct.

At The Ridgeway Hospital we use a technology called navigation surgery. This involves the use of digital tracking of the surgical screw using a computer in very much the same was as satellite navigation works in a car. In principle this gives a real-time simulation of the screw and instrument to allow the surgeon to watch exactly where the screw is passing, making sure it is placed into the position they choose. This is a very expensive technology and not available everywhere, however we believe it is worth the investment.

The system used at the Ridgeway is the Medtronic Stealth System. This uses an O-arm to acquire detailed images of the spine during surgery. This system allows a far more accurate placement of screws than the traditional method of putting theses in place using fluoroscopy or naked eye which means a much greater chance the screws will not cause difficulty or that they will not do the job they are being used for.

Using navigation transformed how spinal surgery could be performed when it was introduced to the Ridgeway 10 years ago and a further development is the additional of a spinal surgical robot (Mazor™) to the navigation system. A robot allows the planning of precision of screw placement to be better than with the naked eye and also to use the surgical stability of a robotic arm to allow placement of screws with even greater precision than with a surgeon’s hand alone. Surgical outcome can now be improved by removing unpredictable aspects of surgery that could potentially lead to misplacement when using navigation alone.

At Circle Health Group, each of our hospitals is fully committed to delivering the best for every patient, combining clinical excellence with a warm and welcoming environment. Our multidisciplinary teams are there for you throughout your journey, providing compassionate care at every stage.

The integration of the Mazor™ system is part of Circle's broader mission to enhance healthcare delivery through innovation. Patients undergoing spinal surgery can now expect a procedure that is not only more precise but also tailored to their specific needs, ultimately leading to better surgical outcomes and improved quality of life.

The arrival of The Mazor™ is a significant step forward for the hospital as it looks to become a spinal centre of excellence. Investing in technology and pioneering new approaches in this field is a key priority for the hospital team, as well as for Circle Health Group as a whole.

The price of your spinal surgery will differ depending on factors including which hospital you have treatment at, and the consultant you see. We offer fixed price packages, which are agreed before treatment so you always know what you'll be paying. The final cost will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.

We offer flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your payment over a time that suits you. If you have private medical insurance, your surgery will normally be covered by your policy. We accept insured patients at all our hospitals and we work with all major providers.