NAPLES, Fla. — Robots are helping doctors operate on your brain and spine in Collier County, marking a significant leap in surgical technology. Recently, Physician’s Regional Hospital introduced the ExcelsiusGPS robot, a remarkable addition to the medical landscape that stands as one of the few of its kind in the region.
This state-of-the-art robotic system, developed by Globus Medical, artfully combines GPS technology with advanced imaging. This integration allows surgeons to navigate intricate surgical procedures with unparalleled precision, transforming what was once a complex task into a streamlined experience.
WATCH THE FULL REPORT TO SEE THE ROBOT IN ACTION:
Robots are helping doctors perform brain and spine surgeries in Collier County
Dr. Sacino, a dedicated surgeon trained at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, illuminated the capabilities of this innovative machine. “What this does is it basically shows me on the screen where I can make different cuts in the bone to access the tumor. I’m only taking out exactly what I need to remove the spine tumor and nothing more,” she explained. This ability to target only necessary areas emphasizes the robot’s role in reducing the invasiveness of surgical procedures.
The inventor of this revolutionary robot, who also happens to be Dr. Sacino’s mentor, serves as the chief of spine surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Such close ties to expertise promote a sense of security for patients and a depth of knowledge for the practitioner.
As the aging population in Southwest Florida looks for safer, less invasive surgical options, Dr. Sacino believes this technology heralds a new era. Previously, older patients faced the grim reality of denied surgeries due to the risks associated with conventional techniques. Now, enhanced tools like the ExcelsiusGPS robot are changing the narrative, allowing for broader patient access. “Where typically before, when you were doing a much bigger surgery, you’d have to tell patients at a certain age, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t think you’ll be able to tolerate it.’ But now, you can help more patients,” she reflected. These moments of realization illustrate a significant shift in medical possibilities.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sacino carries a sense of optimism for surgical robotics. “I think things are just going to keep growing more and more,” she said. “Initially, this started out for spine surgery, but now you’re able to use it for brain surgery as well.” The potential for artificial intelligence to further enhance these technologies looms large, with the prospect of automation and advanced functionalities expanding the horizons of what medical professionals can achieve. “The sky’s the limit in terms of what we’ll be able to do to help patients with it,” she added, invoking a sense of wonder about the future.
Indeed, the introduction of this robotic system evokes an array of emotions, a mix of relief and excitement. For many, the mere mention of robotic surgery might seem futuristic, almost science fiction-like. Yet, here it is, quietly revolutionizing healthcare in Collier County. It’s a reminder that the world of medicine is evolving, reflecting not just technological advances, but also our collective hopes for better patient outcomes.
