Meet the Robot

Most of us in Southwest Florida have discovered that a popular old adage is quite true: with age comes wisdom. This ongoing search for knowledge is the main reason I have kept his column going for so many years—you information seekers can't get enough. 

I applaud you all. 

Naturally, as we age and our healthcare becomes more complicated, we must rely on our proven ability to ask questions and get the answers we need to make the best possible decisions—for our care and the care of our loved ones. 

We've all said it: Medicine has come a long way. Thankfully, that's true. 

To keep pace with our ever-expanding population, Physicians Regional has made substantial investments in real estate, medical teams and personnel; however, we are equally committed to being on the cutting edge of technological advancements. All our lives depend on it. 

Today, I want to introduce you to Physician Regional Collier Boulevard's new robotic navigation system—our latest investment in your healthy future. 

Before you picture C-3PO with a scalpel, let me explain that I'm referring to robot-assisted surgery. The new surgical Robot represents state-of-the-art technology, helping the surgeon by providing navigation during the surgery to improve accuracy when working in the brain and around the spinal cord. However, a human being is still performing the surgery. 

This investment represents a visionary picture beyond robotic spine surgery; it signifies a relationship between Physicians Regional Collier Blvd and Apex Neurosurgery in taking the first step towards a more robust neurosurgical program for southwest Florida at Physicians Regional Collier Boulevard. 

Amanda N. Sacino, MD-PhD, and Gregory Cannarsa, MD, from Apex Brain & Spine are independent medical staff neurosurgeons working with Physicians Regional Collier Boulevard to develop the first robotic brain and spine neurosurgery program in Collier County. Dr. Sacino has completed two fellowships specializing in spine surgery, and Dr. Cannarsa has completed two fellowships specializing in cranial (brain), cerebrovascular, and endovascular surgery. 

Up until now, if a patient had a complex neurosurgical problem, they often thought they had to go to Miami or Tampa or "back home" for treatment. We are changing the paradigm by offering that care here in Naples. 

Drs. Sacino and Cannarsa come from renowned programs known for the highest standards in quality of care, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, techniques, and clinical and personal experiences that give patients confidence in the situation, all leading to better outcomes. 

"I completed my neurosurgical training and one of my spine fellowships at Johns Hopkins Hospital, my medical home before moving to southwest Florida," said Dr. Sacino. "My mentor, Dr. Nicholas Theodore, is the head of neurosurgical spine surgery at Hopkins. He is also the inventor of the Robot. I was present at the first case at Hopkins (circa 2016) and in the first brain case at Hopkins (circa 2021) and have used the robot ever since as well as participating in research and giving lectures. I have completed hundreds of cases with the robot.  This specific Robot is the first true Neurosurgery robot for brain and spine surgery." 

For the spine, the robot is used for navigation for degenerative (arthritic) disease, tumors, fractures, and deformities. For the brain, it is used for navigation for tumors, brain aneurysms, brain vascular malformations, brain bleeds, shunt placement to help patients with hydrocephalus, and deep brain stimulation to help patients with Parkinson's disease and tremors.  

The Robot allows the surgeon to be highly precise and accurate during the operation. This also allows for smaller surgeries to be completed.  

"The patient experiences less pain after surgery and is out of bed and walking either the day of or the next day after the surgery," explained Dr. Sacino. "The recovery time and hospital stay also tend to be much shorter. This allows us to help older patients and patients with complex neurosurgical issues." 

The Robot is another powerful example of what can happen when a multidisciplinary team comes together and determines a course of action in the community's best interest. Robotic Neurosurgery programs have been implemented at the top academic hospitals nationwide, and we are enthusiasticabout the unique opportunity to grow this program in Collier County with a neurosurgeon who has an extensive level of experience.  

We are excited to see how this new technology will transform this hospital's level of care and improve the technical capabilities of all our respective teams.  

For more information on our robotic program at Physicians Regional Healthcare System, please visit www.physiciansregional.com