Robotic Surgery performed to fix a collapsed vertebra at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, a first of its kind surgery in the world

Master Shivam had suffered from fever 5 months ago and later developed back pain leading to a deformity that made it difficult for him to walk. He also developed weakness in his legs and was unable to go to school or go out to play with friends.

Later he was diagnosed to have tuberculosis of his spine and started treatment. As there was no benefit from the treatment with regards to his back pain and weakness, the family decided to come to Delhi for further treatment and explore the options of the latest treatments.

Dr.Rajendra Prasad, Neurosurgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals,New Delhi found that there was a collapse of his vertebra on the back at his chest level leading to compression of his spinal cord along with a large collection of pus in that area.

Standard surgery involves a large cut in the chest and over the back with prolonged hospital stay. Pain after the procedure can make the recovery and return to normal activities slow.

Robotic surgery had been performed in this area but not for this condition anywhere in the world. After review of the scans, robotic instrumentation and discussion, it was felt that the procedure can be attempted robotically and if successful , it would give the child the benefit of this latest technology.

The family of the patient was counselled about the procedure and the fact that it has never been done before. They understood the risks and were keen on giving the benefit of the technology to their child. The child himself was excited about being the first child to undergo this procedure. The surgical team included Dr.Rajendra Prasad and Dr. Amit Kapoor from Neurosurgery and Dr Arun Prasad and Dr Abhishek Tiwari from Minimal Access Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

The Robotic Surgery was performed on 15th July 2014. The procedure took about 2 hours and went off very well. Once he recovered from the procedure, the vertebras were fixed from behind a week later so as to enable early mobilization .He is now perfectly normal and healthy.