Brian Subach, MD, is a neurosurgeon and the president of the Virginia Spine Institute. He spoke with Becker's about robotic guided surgery and the future of spine surgery.
Question: What made you pursue robotic-guided surgery?
Dr. Brian Subach: Image-guided surgery or surgical navigation has been a part of my surgical practice since my residency training in neurosurgery. If we can enhance the accuracy and precision of our techniques while improving patient safety, I would certainly support the technology.
The Mazor™ Robotic system for spinal surgery combines fine-cut computed tomography (CT) with proprietary software to make surgery safer and simpler than ever before. In virgin backs and multiply-operated revisions, a less invasive approach may be utilized which minimizes patient recovery time and discomfort.
I am very impressed with the technology and am looking forward to the next generation developments in robotic surgery.
Question: What do you think the future holds for robotic surgery?
BS: Although robotic surgery is a remarkable tool, the technology is in its infancy. I see three areas where robotic surgery may advance.
1. The first is limiting radiation exposure for the patient without sacrificing accuracy; recall that the patient undergoes a fine cut CT scan as part of the planning process.
2. Second is adding the ability to merge CT, X-ray, and MRI data would undoubtedly improve the versatility of the technique.
3. Three is adding a three dimensional capability which would be invaluable to the surgeon.
Question: Concerning sports medicine, how do you use your experience as an athlete to help treat others? What can be done to improve the field?
BS: Although I am a neurosurgeon and expert in spinal disease not sports medicine, I see athletes at all levels. From recreational players to professional athletes, the desire to compete and excel is no different.
In cases of degeneration or arthritic pain and immobility, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy have proven invaluable.
In cases where surgery is necessary, using a minimally-invasive approach with early mobilization is key.
As a former athlete and current fitness advocate, I don’t believe in sitting my athletes on the bench for a prolonged period of time. If there is a treatable problem, fix it and get the athlete back in the game. I let my patients exercise sooner than most surgeons, because I see the value in early physical therapy and both the mental and physical therapeutic benefits.
Learn more from Dr. Subach at the 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine in June 2017! Click here for more information.