Da Vinci robotic-assisted anterolateral lumbar arthrodesis: operative technique.

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive approaches for lumbar fusion are aimed at reducing soft tissue injury in order to minimize surgical morbidity and facilitate recovery.

METHOD

Applied to oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), Da Vinci robot (DVR) assistance can help specially in obese patients. Positioning and important anatomical landmarks are reviewed. Indications, advantages, and limitations are discussed, and a step-by-step description of the procedure is presented. OLIF can be achieved efficiently through this approach with lesser blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and reduced rate of general complications.

CONCLUSION

The use of DVR assistance for OLIF is a promising new technique.