Spinal surgery has seen a rise in the use of the exoscope, a high-definition 3D digital imaging device, although its prevalence in this field has been relatively underreported compared to intracranial procedures.
Researchers and neurosurgeons at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) conducted a retrospective study comparing the traditional operative microscope to the 3D exoscope in spinal surgery, revealing favourable outcomes for both surgeons and patients when using the exoscope.
Dr. Stephen Kalhorn, the principal investigator, notes the limitations of the operative microscope, including restricted positioning and interference with the surgical field. In contrast, the exoscope offers greater flexibility and provides a three-dimensional view without obstructing the surgical site, enhancing visualization and reducing errors.
Dr. Sunil Patel, MUSC’s chair of neurosurgery, highlights the exoscope’s benefits in magnification and its applicability to various surgeries, including minimally invasive spine procedures. The ergonomic design of the exoscope promotes better posture among surgeons, addressing prevalent issues like low back pain and lumbar disc herniation.
The study’s first author, medical student Noah Nawabi, underscores the exoscope’s role in reducing operating times and hospital stays, potentially revolutionizing minimally invasive spinal surgeries by enabling smaller incisions and minimizing blood loss.
Moreover, the exoscope serves as a valuable teaching tool, allowing simultaneous viewing by multiple surgeons and residents during surgery. Nawabi emphasizes its efficacy in facilitating early understanding of neurosurgical anatomy and approaches.
While the study contributes to existing literature, Nawabi suggests that more surgeons may consider adopting the exoscope for spinal surgeries in the future, encouraged by its promising outcomes and educational value.
In conclusion, the exoscope emerges as a transformative technology in spinal surgery, offering enhanced visualization, ergonomic benefits, and educational opportunities that could reshape clinical practices and improve patient outcomes.
