Neurosurgery department at Royal Preston Hospital performs first complex spinal surgery

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Surgeons pictures using the innovative instruments. Pic: LTHTR
Surgeons pictures using the innovative instruments. Pic: LTHTR
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Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust has successfully performed its first complex spinal surgery.

The neurosurgery department at Royal Preston Hospital used 3D CT and navigation technology in a ‘significant leap forward in precision and patient safety’.

Patient, Jason Westcott, was the first to undergo the new procedure after being diagnosed with L3/4 spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs.

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Anaesthetic team, theatre staff and the support team from Stryker. Pic: LTHTR
Anaesthetic team, theatre staff and the support team from Stryker. Pic: LTHTR

He said: “Post-surgery I have started to notice good signs of recovery. I have at least 30% less pain in my left leg and around the same increase in power, which I hope will continue to improve and increase in the weeks and months to come, and hopefully have a permanent and positive impact on my life.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the surgical team for their ongoing treatment of my condition and specifically this most recent operation, which has shown very positive signs so early after the procedure.”

This state-of-the-art procedure involves the use of Stryker’s AIRO TruCT – an intraoperative 3D CT scanner – which allows surgeons to obtain high-resolution, real-time images of the spine during surgery.

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This means surgeons can precisely plan, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes by shortening recovery time and reducing the need for follow-up surgeries.

Syed Hashmi, neurosurgeon and Implementation Lead for the AIRO CT and Navigation System, said: “At the Trust, we are committed to integrating the latest advancements in medical technology to provide the highest level of care.

“The adoption of intraoperative 3D CT and navigation technology underpins our dedication to innovation and excellence in spinal surgery, ensuring our patients receive the safest and most effective treatment available.”

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