Last month, the neurosurgical team at The Walton Centre achieved a significant milestone in spinal surgery, completing their 100th complex spinal operation using robotic technology.

The journey to this extraordinary accomplishment began in October 2022 when The Walton Centre became one of the pioneering institutions in the UK to adopt the use of an innovative surgical robotic navigation system.

The robot involves a rigid robotic arm, tracked and fully navigated by a camera, which is then programmed to follow a trajectory pre-planned by surgeons. The system lends itself to minimally invasive procedures and can drastically improve accuracy in screw placement. This cutting-edge technology has since revolutionised the way complex spinal procedures are performed, offering unparalleled precision and efficiency in surgical interventions.

Since adopting the robotic surgical navigation system, the team has reduced operating time, time spent in hospital and recovery times for spinal patients, as well as enhancing precision. Following the 100th surgery, Jan Ross, Chief Executive Officer of The Walton Centre, expressed her pride in the team for reaching this milestone , emphasizing its profound impact on both patients and staff.

“It cannot be understated how incredible an achievement this is, not only for patients, but for our staff too. In less than 18 months they have marked out the Trust as a leader in the UK in robotic spinal surgery, carrying out lifechanging procedures for our patients.

“I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made, and can’t wait to see the team innovate and enhance the service further for the benefit of patients across the North West, North Wales and the Isle of Man.”

Echoing this sentiment, Consultant Spinal Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Complex Spine, Mr. Martin Wilby, reflected on the milestone as a testament to the collective efforts of the surgical team in embracing this transformative technology.

Wilby stated, “We’ve made great strides in spinal robotic surgery here at The Walton Centre. The whole surgical team has got behind this groundbreaking technology because they can see the benefits for patients. We’ve now seen firsthand how this innovative approach can improve the outcomes for complex spinal patients. I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve reached this milestone, now on to the next 100.”

John Bowden, 77, from Prestatyn North Wales, had surgery on his spine last year using the robotic tech. He said: “My sciatica has been painful on and off for the last couple of years. The pain got to the point where I was struggling to walk, so I had to get it sorted. Coming to have surgery at The Walton Centre was a quick referral. I felt the back pain stop immediately after I woke up from the operation.”

“The surgical team were incredible, and the nursing team were second to none. Since the surgery I’ve been able to do a lot more than before. I’m able to stay on my feet for longer, which helps when I’m with the grandkids! It feels like I’ve got those years back, it’s changed by life.”

Channel 5 recently featured an operation showing the spinal robot in action. Episode six of the series Trauma Room One provides an opportunity to witness the innovative technology, and can be found here.