Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Innovative Robotic Solutions for Back Pain in the Lowcountry

Chronic back pain can get you down, physically and mentally. It can hinder your ability to work and enjoy weekend activities. If you've tried other treatment options and your back pain persists, it may be time to consider a different approach, such as robotic surgery.

At the Hilton Head Hospital, an affiliate of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, our dedicated spine doctors can provide a thorough evaluation and strive to relieve your pain without surgery. When it's necessary to consider surgery, we can perform robotic-assisted minimally invasive procedures that are precise, accurate and can help shorten your recovery time.

We have an extensive network of healthcare providers to attend to your needs. Fill out our request referral form, and we'll connect you to our dedicated staff to provide helpful information about our doctors and assist you in making an appointment. 

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery? 

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) combines your surgeon's understanding of anatomy with X-ray imaging to treat spine conditions using small incisions. A minimally invasive technique permits the surgeon to separate the muscles surrounding the spine rather than cut through them. 

In traditional surgery or open surgery, surgeons make large incisions to allow surgeons to view and operate on the affected part of a patient's body. Due to the evolution in surgical methodology over the years, surgeons can now operate on patients using minimally invasive surgical techniques. 

MIS uses ports or small incisions for laparoscopes and instruments equipped with video capabilities. This advanced surgical procedure reduces pain and may substantially minimize postoperative care and cost. Patients can also benefit from MIS for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 

The adoption of MIS stems from the understanding that minimal incisions in the patient's body may offer the best chance of faster recovery after surgery and decrease the risk of complications, such as slow wound healing or wound reopening, incisional hernia and bowel adhesions.

The decision to undergo minimally invasive surgery depends on the patient and their symptoms. It's important to discuss with your robotic surgeon whether minimally invasive surgery is right for you.

Some of the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:

• Shorter hospital stay
• Less tissue damage
• Smaller incisions, which may lead to smaller scars

What Is Robotic Spine Surgery? 

Your doctor may recommend spine surgery when medications and physical therapy have not relieved your painful symptoms or when your doctor can pinpoint the exact source of your pain. It is important to note that not everyone is a candidate for surgery, even if the pain persists.

Robotic-assisted spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that helps surgeons perform surgeries with higher precision while typically decreasing exposure to radiation to both patients and providers, complication rates and recovery time compared to traditional approaches. 

Surgeons may use robotic-assisted spine surgery for common procedures like lumbar decompression and spinal infusion using specialized instruments to access the spine through small incisions.

Minimally invasive spine surgeries using robotic assistance may help treat spine problems with less injury to the muscles and other normal structures in the spine. 

How Does ExcelsiusGPS™ Work? 

ExcelsiusGPS™ may help improve accuracy and optimize patient care by using robotics and navigation, much like your car's global positioning system (GPS).

On the day of surgery, medical images are taken and imported into ExcelsiusGPS™. The surgeon uses these images to determine the size and placement of implants and creates a patient plan based on your anatomy. These images guide the rigid robotic arm to a specific region of your spine, similar to a planned route or pathway on a GPS. The surgeon uses this pathway or trail to place the implants using instruments accurately.

Surgical instruments and implants are displayed throughout the procedure for the surgeon and staff to monitor. This display allows the surgeon to view live feedback during your procedure for more precise implant placement.

What to Ask Your Surgeon Before Surgery? 

If you're experiencing chronic back pain unresponsive to nonsurgical treatment, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. Talk to your robotic surgeon to learn more and determine if this option is right for you.

1. Why do I need this operation?
2. How will the operation be performed?
3. Are there other treatment options, and is this operation the best option for me?
4. What are the risks, benefits and possible complications of this operation? Will my health history and the medications I am taking mean that the risks, potential complications and benefits will differ for me?
5. What are my anesthesia options?
6. What can I expect before the operation?
7. What can I expect to recover in treatment, medication, diet and home care?
8. Could you tell me about your experience with this operation?
9. Is the surgical facility accredited and adequately staffed?
10. How much will the operation cost me, and what type of insurance do you take?
11. Are all the people involved in my operation covered by my insurance (anesthesia, pathology and radiology)?

Why Choose Hilton Head Regional Healthcare for Your Spine Health?

When your symptoms don't go away with conventional treatment, rest and lifestyle modification, your doctor may recommend robotic surgery combined with lifelong pain management and rehabilitation therapy. At Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, we commit to helping you navigate your spine care journey from diagnosis to rehabilitation with personalized and compassionate care. Aside from working with you to develop a treatment plan, we can also help you make timely appointments and refer you to additional doctors if necessary.

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare offers:

• Globus ExcelsiusGPS™ robotic-assisted spine surgery
• Experienced spine care services with over 100 spinal procedures performed annually
• Pain management
• Comprehensive rehabilitation program

Watch this short video to learn how Hilton Head Regional Healthcare can help you navigate your journey to feeling better.

Insurances Accepted and Payment Plan Options

We understand that staying on top of your spine health means making important healthcare decisions. Hilton Head Regional Healthcare provides all the information you need upfront, including financial obligations, to help make it possible for you to get the care you need when you need it the most. Visit our payment portal to learn about available payment options near your facility.

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare accepts various insurance plans and offers flexible payment plans for most treatments and procedures, including but not limited to back procedures. Visit this page for more information about insurance plans or benefits and the list of participating insurance providers. Watch this video to learn more about our extended payment plans, or call 833-850-5053.

Go to our patient financial resources page to learn more about our insurance, billing, payment plans, pricing information and estimates to help you make financial arrangements beforehand. For questions about your coverage, contact your insurance provider directly.

Find a Robotic Surgeon in the Lowcountry

Chronic back pain and other spine conditions can be debilitating. Let's help you get moving to the rhythm of life with less spine-related pain. Your health can't wait. Now is a good time to see a spine doctor at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.

We have some of the latest advanced technology and procedures combined with an experienced spine care team to help you until you get better. Let's help find ways to help you relive the days before the chronic back pain. Please call 833-383-3744 or find a back and spine doctor here near your location.

If it's an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.