Robot-Assisted Microendoscopic Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Operative Technique

Purpose: To describe our experience of microendoscopic discectomy using the ROSA® robot, the O-arm® scanner, and the EasyGO® second-generation endoscope. Methods: A detailed description of the technique, with explanatory videos. The operation was divided into three main steps: (i) installation of the ROSA® robot and the O-arm® scanner, (ii) installation of the tubular retractor and the endoscope, and (iii) soft tissue removal, bone drilling, and discectomy. Result: Twenty patients underwent robot-assisted microendoscopic discectomy. The outcome was good, in all cases. Conclusion: Robot-assisted surgical techniques are evolving rapidly. Robotic microendoscopic discectomy using the ROSA® robot, the O-arm® scanner and the EasyGO® second-generation endoscope is feasible. With a view to wider adoption of this technique, comparisons with conventional surgical methods are now required.