Robotic Surgery in Neurosurgery: Current Applications and Comparative Evidence

Fabio Vinicius Barth, Melissa Maria Santos Volaco

Abstract: Robotic systems are increasingly used in neurosurgery, particularly in spine, functional, and selected cranial procedures, but their true advantage over conventional techniques remains under evaluation. This narrative review summarizes current robotic applications in spine instrumentation, deep brain stimulation (DBS), stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), and skull base surgery, and synthesizes comparative data on accuracy, safety, workflow, and outcomes. In spine surgery, randomized trials and meta-analyses indicate that robot-assisted pedicle screw placement can improve or standardize accuracy and reduce radiation exposure, typically at the cost of longer setup times and higher financial expenditure. For DBS and SEEG, robotic platforms offer submillimetric targeting, shorter operative times, and efficient execution of complex multi-trajectory plans, with safety at least comparable to frame-based or manual techniques. Cranial and skull base applications remain largely exploratory, limited by instrument design and integration challenges. Overall, robotics provides enhanced precision, improved ergonomics, and support for minimally invasive strategies, while key limitations include cost, learning curve, and scarce clinical and economic evidence. Emerging advances in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, telerobotics, and haptic feedback suggest a future of more autonomous and personalized neurosurgical robotics, pending robust comparative and cost-effectiveness studies to justify widespread adoption.

Keywords: Robotic neurosurgery, spine surgery, deep brain stimulation, stereoelectroencephalography, skull base surgery

How to Cite?: Fabio Vinicius Barth, Melissa Maria Santos Volaco, "Robotic Surgery in Neurosurgery: Current Applications and Comparative Evidence", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 73-77, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR251201100348, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR251201100348