Robot-assisted surgery was carried out for the first time at Asti hospital
In a groundbreaking development, Cardinal Massaia Hospital has successfully performed its first robotic-assisted surgery in Orthopedics, thanks to the expertise of the newly appointed orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Federico Dettoni.
The operation, which involved the application of a unicompartmental knee prosthesis, saw the use of a robotic arm to ensure the correct positioning of the prosthesis with an accuracy of less than 1 millimeter. This precision is made possible by the system's ability to generate a detailed 3D model of the patient’s knee during surgery, allowing surgeons to plan and position the implant with extreme accuracy.
One of the key benefits of this minimally invasive procedure is the reduced risk of prosthesis dislocation, which is further minimized with the use of the anterior approach. In this method, at least three muscles are not cut, promoting faster recovery for the patient.
The anterior approach is also employed for hip prostheses in the department, saving tendon and muscles compared to the posterior approach.
The surgery, performed on a 60-year-old man from Asti, offers several advantages over traditional methods. The less invasive procedure often involves smaller incisions and less soft tissue disruption, leading to reduced blood loss and tissue trauma. As a result, patients generally experience less postoperative pain, swelling, and quicker return to mobility and daily activities.
The enhanced alignment and soft tissue balance also reduce risks of implant wear and poor functional outcomes, contributing to better long-term function and possibly longer implant life. The accuracy of implant positioning minimizes complications such as misalignment or instability that could cause pain or restrict mobility, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Moreover, personalized surgical planning is made possible through real-time intraoperative mapping. This allows surgeons to adjust implant placement based on the patient’s unique anatomy and arthritis wear pattern, offering a customized approach that adapts to individual variation.
Dr. Dettoni, who has previous experience with robotic technology having used it at the Mauriziano Hospital in Turin, emphasizes that the robotic technology will be used in the hospital for the most delicate cases or for more complex prostheses.
Functional recovery therapy is set up in collaboration with physiotherapists and physiatrists guided by Dr. Giovanna Lombardi. The rapid recovery system implemented in the department allows for discharge after 5 days or transfer to the Rehabilitation Department of Massaia.
This technological innovation package, agreed with the ASL of Asti's Strategic Direction, is set to revolutionize orthopedic surgery at Cardinal Massaia Hospital, offering patients improved precision, reduced invasiveness, and accelerated recovery, leading to better functional results and patient satisfaction.
Dr. Dettoni also organizes training courses for young orthopedists, ensuring the continued advancement of robotic-assisted surgery in the hospital.
- The robotic technology utilized in the surgery at Cardinal Massaia Hospital not only offers reduced risks of prosthesis dislocation but also enables surgeons to generate detailed 3D models of the patient's knee during surgery, promoting precision and personalized surgical planning, thereby aligning with the field of science and technology.
- In the health-and-wellness sector, the early implementation of robotic-assisted surgery at Cardinal Massaia Hospital not only tackles medical-conditions like arthritis with enhanced accuracy but also invests in the future through the training of young orthopedists, ensuring the advancement of these medical practices in line with modern technology.
