The safety, accuracy, and feasibility of robotic assistance in neuro-oncological surgery

Over the past 3 decades, robotic technology has advanced significantly across surgical fields, driven by improvements in versatility, stability, skill, and tactile properties. Neurosurgery has led the way in integrating robotics to improve the accuracy and safety of procedures that require high precision. This study aimed to present one of the largest series in the literature and investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of robotic assistance in neuro-oncological surgery.

The authors performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent stereotactic biopsy only and biopsy and laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) using the Robotic Surgical Assistant (ROSA) system. The ROSA system was used for trajectory planning as well as the precise alignment and insertion of the needle and/or laser catheter. All procedures were performed by a single neurosurgeon. Electronic medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, preoperative clinical deficits, diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative MR images, lesion characteristics including location and volume, postoperative complications, and deficits.

A total of 348 patients were identified. The mean age at surgery was 61.4 years, with 171 (49.1%) females. The most common presentations were GBM (40.5%, n = 141), metastasis (16.4%, n = 57), and radiation necrosis (9.8%, n = 34). A total of 189 (54%) patients underwent stereotactic biopsy only, and 159 (46%) underwent biopsy and LITT. The diagnostic yield of the cases was 98.6%, with only 5 cases having inconclusive pathology. Two (0.6%) patients experienced postoperative complications that resolved during follow-up. Ten (2.9%) patients developed asymptomatic subcentimeter hematomas following the procedure that did not require further intervention. No long-term consequences or permanent deficits occurred in any case within a median follow-up duration of 4.4 months (IQR 1-11.2 months).

These results indicate that a robot-assisted approach for stereotactic biopsies and LITT is associated with a comparable diagnostic yield and safety profile for frameless and frame-based techniques. Its precision, user-friendly interface, and adaptability contribute to its suitability for such procedures. Future research, especially in long-term results and cost-effectiveness, will be crucial in fully understanding the utility and potential of this technology for broader applications in the field.