CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital celebrates 300th robotic spine surgery

CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital is celebrating its 300th spinal fusion procedure using the state-of-the-art robotic navigation platform, the ExcelsiusGPS.

The spine is one of the most important structures in our bodies, supporting much of our weight and protecting the spinal cord.

Spinal fusion procedures are vital in treating a range of complex spinal conditions including herniated discs, spinal weakness, and instability and spinal deformities. Patients could experience pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, among other symptoms due to a disturbance in the spine or a bone fracture.

More than a million instrumented spinal procedures are performed each year, according to iData Research.

“The ExcelsiusGPS has revolutionized the way we perform spinal fusion procedures,” said Dr. Timothy Haman, chief medical officer of CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital. “This advanced system lowers radiation exposure, shortens operative times and enables a more precise and efficient placement of screws for stabilization.”

The device allows surgeons to plan and execute a minimally invasive spinal procedure approach. The surgeon makes a small incision along the spine and separates muscles rather than splitting them during surgery. Depending on the patient’s needs and body, the surgeon creates a surgical plan that the device fulfills while ensuring the utmost accuracy along the way.

Because of this approach, patients can return home in less than two days, exceeding the national average recovery time of nearly four days for these types of procedures.

Haman said if patients seem to be experiencing any pain or discomfort, they should seek guidance from their physician. Their physician will then discuss whether they are a proper candidate for this minimally invasive approach.

CHRSTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital has successfully completed 300 of these procedures. It is the first and only hospital in the Lake Charles community to offer this innovative technology.

“This groundbreaking technology is helping us improve lives,” said James Davidson, president of CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital. “We are proud of the work we are doing for our community. Our physicians continue to strive for the best for our patients as we fulfill our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”