Enhancing palliative care in vulnerable patients: Robot-assisted radiofrequency ablation for multiple spinal metastases – Technical insights and preliminary outcomes

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) coupled with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty offers a minimally invasive, safe, and efficacious approach to palliate polymetastatic spine disease, particularly in medically fragile individuals. However, the application of robotic assistance to RFA for spinal metastases remains unexplored. This study elucidates the technical viability of robot‑assisted RFA combined with vertebroplasty in patients afflicted by multiple spinal metastases and presents preliminary outcomes. An illustrative case was also presented. Materials and Methods: Ten patients aged over 65 years with multiple vertebral metastases were enrolled in this study. Preoperatively, patients exhibited a median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of 6 and a Median Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score of 58%. From February 2021 to April 2022, all patients underwent RFA, followed by vertebroplasty for spinal metastases. Surgical procedures were executed using the ExcelsiusGPS® robotic platform. Results: Patients experienced substantial pain relief, with a median VAS score of 2.5 at 24 h postoperatively (Δ −3.5; P < 0.001) and a median VAS score of 2 at 1 month postoperatively (Δ −4; P < 0.001). All patients were discharged on the first postoperative day and continued their oncological treatments. In addition, the median ODI score at 1 month postoperatively was 34% (Δ −24%; P = 0.006), indicating an enhanced quality of life and a satisfactory impact on daily activities. No procedural or postoperative complications were documented. Conclusions: This case series represents the inaugural successful application of robot‑assisted RFA in conjunction with concurrent vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty. Our preliminary experience demonstrates that patients with oligo‑ and polymetastatic conditions can derive benefits from this minimally invasive intervention, characterized by rapid postoperative recovery and effective short‑ to medium‑term pain management, without encountering complications.