SANTIAGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – In a landmark achievement for Caribbean medicine, Clínica Universitaria Unión Médica del Norte (CUUMN) has successfully performed the region’s first robotic-assisted spine surgery using GLOBUS MEDICAL’s cutting-edge Excelsius GPS® system. This revolutionary procedure establishes the Dominican Republic as a leader in advanced spinal surgical technology.
The groundbreaking operation was conducted by distinguished spinal surgeons Dr. Iohan S. Fernandez R. and Dr. Osmar Corona, who executed a minimally invasive posterior lumbar arthrodesis (MISS-TLIF) at the L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels. This sophisticated technique represents one of the most significant advancements in contemporary spinal surgery methodology.
The Excelsius GPS® robotic navigation platform delivers millimeter-level precision during implant placement, substantially reducing reliance on continuous X-ray imaging. This technological innovation minimizes radiation exposure for both patients and medical personnel while enhancing procedural safety.
This state-of-the-art system combines a fully stabilized robotic arm with integrated 3D and 2D navigation capabilities, optimizing the safety, efficiency, and reproducibility of spinal interventions. International clinical studies have demonstrated nearly 100% accuracy in lumbar fixation system placement alongside notable reductions in surgical duration.
Patient benefits include reduced morbidity rates, lower infection risks, diminished postoperative pain, and accelerated recovery timelines. The minimally invasive approach facilitates smaller incisions, decreased blood loss, and minimal soft tissue damage, enabling patients to resume normal activities significantly faster.
The historic procedure was supported by a multidisciplinary medical team comprising:
– Dr. Iohan Sahil Fernández Román, Spine Surgeon
– Dr. Osmar Corona, Spine Surgeon
– Dr. Francisco Basora, Neurosurgeon
– Dr. Saira Pérez, Anesthesiologist
– Additional specialists including neurophysiologists, radiologists, and surgical technicians
This medical milestone positions Clínica Universitaria Unión Médica del Norte as a pioneering institution in robotic spinal surgery, establishing new standards for medical innovation throughout the Caribbean region. The acquisition of the Excelsius GPS® system – the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic and Caribbean – reinforces the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, and world-class medical care.