Small in stature, the Mazor Robotics Renaissance Guidance System comes with a hefty price tag of nearly $1 million – but it’s worth every cent according to hospital acting CEO Michael Passmore.

Mr Passmore said the state-of-the-art system enabled surgeons to pre-plan spinal surgery using 3D imaging software.

During surgery, the robotic system then guided the surgeon in the precise placement of screws for a number of routine and complex spinal procedures.

‘’Surgeons have been asking for this for 18 months and it gives them a large leap into the future for placement of screws during surgery,’’ Mr Passmore said.

‘’We are now one of two hospitals in the state – and four in Australia – to have this robotic system which greatly improves the outcomes for spinal surgery due to its absolute accuracy.

‘’We anticipate it will benefit more than 300 local private patients each year requiring surgical treatment for conditions such as spinal deformity or weakness and chronic back pain.’’

Leading Wollongong neurosurgeon Dr Jerry Day said the new system was safer, and more effective, than traditional techniques.

‘’The typical way to do this surgery without this system is by using open incisions and periodic X-rays during surgery,’’ he said.

‘’What this new system allows us is virtually 100 per cent accuracy in screw placement done with puncture-type incisions, not open incisions.

‘’It also eliminates the need to do frequent X-rays, so reducing radiation exposure during surgery.’’

The robot has assisted in the surgery of four patients since its arrival late last month, and the outcomes have been fantastic.

‘’Because of the accuracy, it decreases complications of incorrect screw placement such as nerve compression,’’ Dr Day said. ‘’Because it’s minimally invasive surgery there’s less muscle damage. As well there’s less time on the operating table, resulting in better patient outcomes and a safer overall procedure for patients.’’

The system also increased surgeons’ confidence, and improved work flow in the operating theatre.