AI Robot Operates Spinal Tumor to Help Woman Relieve Paralysis

Ho Chi Minh City Ms. Trang, 54 years old, paralyzed in both legs, had surgery using an artificial intelligence (AI) robot to remove a meningioma in her chest, helping her walk again.

On November 21, Master, Doctor, II Chu Tan Si, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that the patient had to use a wheelchair to come for examination because his legs were very weak, unable to stand and walk. The muscle strength in both legs had decreased by more than 70%, the muscles were flaccid and there were signs of damage to the central nervous system.

Ms. Trang had these symptoms about 9 months ago, and a doctor at a hospital in Bac Lieu diagnosed her with varicose veins. She took medication and did physical therapy, but it became increasingly difficult for her to walk and move, so she went to Tam Anh Hospital for examination.

MRI results showed a tumor about 3 cm in diameter in the thoracic spinal cord area, compressing and pushing the entire spinal cord from the right side to the left, deviated forward.

The doctor assessed that if this condition persists, the patient is at risk of complete paralysis. The tumor grows large, increasing pressure on the spinal cord and central nervous system bundles, easily reducing muscle strength with sphincter disorders, the patient cannot control bowel movements and urination.

Doctors look at MRI images of the tumor before surgery. Photo: Provided by the hospital — Doctors look at MRI images of the tumor before surgery. Photo: *Provided by the hospital*

The doctor decided to perform surgery using the Modus V Synaptive robot using artificial intelligence. The advantage of this method is that the doctor proactively plans the surgery, anticipates possible situations, helping to increase the chances of success and safety for the patient.

The robot is capable of harmonizing MRI, DTI, CT, DSA... Thanks to that, the doctor can clearly see the thoracic spinal cord, nerve fiber bundles and tumors on the same image to choose the appropriate surgical path. The simulated surgery feature on specialized software helps the doctor approach the tumor safely without damaging the nerves and spinal cord, minimizing risks for the patient.

The actual surgery is based on a simulated surgical path. The doctor opens the spinal dura, approaches the tumor, then opens the tumor capsule and uses the Cusa ultrasonic suction cutter system to break and empty the tumor from the inside. The volume of the tumor is reduced, creating conditions for the doctor to easily separate the tumor capsule, minimizing the risk of damage to the spinal cord, nerve fiber bundles and surrounding healthy structures.

After removing the base of the tumor, the team cut the stalk of the tumor and started bleeding. The doctor had predicted this and was able to stop the bleeding in time.

The 3 cm meningeal tumor and the 1 cm adhesion on the meningeal membrane were removed after 90 minutes. The surgical technique was minimally invasive, the patient did not lose vertebral bone, and did not need to place screws or plates.

After two days of surgery, Ms. Trang's health is stable, severe symptoms, numbness in both legs and muscle strength have improved. She can walk more easily, can climb stairs, and is expected to be discharged after three days, combined with physical therapy to fully recover her legs.

Doctor Tan Si checks the patient's leg muscle strength after surgery. Photo: Provided by the hospital — Doctor Tan Si checks the patient's leg muscle strength after surgery. Photo: *Provided by the hospital*

Dr. Tan Si said the removed spinal cord tumor was benign and had no genetic factors. However, Ms. Trang needs to be re-examined after three months to assess the recovery of the spinal cord and nerve conduction bundles.

People with symptoms of heavy legs, numb legs, difficulty walking, sensory disturbances... should go to a neurologist for examination. Patients will be scanned and have necessary tests done to correctly identify the disease, eliminate physical damage, then treat functional damage, avoiding misdiagnosis that causes prolonged damage and is dangerous.

Truong Giang

* Patient's name has been changed

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