The introduction of the first intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) scanner at Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) in Hong Kong represents a transformative advancement in neurosurgical and spinal surgery, significantly enhancing patient safety and quality of care. Intraoperative CT imaging provides real-time, high-resolution anatomical visualization during surgery, allowing for immediate verification of surgical accuracy and adjustments before wound closure. This technology minimizes the risks of misplaced spinal instrumentation or unintended neural damage, thereby reducing postoperative complications and revision surgeries.
For neurosurgery, iCT ensures precise localization, particularly in complex cases such as complex spinal tumor resections or deep brain stimulation, where millimeter-level accuracy is critical. In spinal surgery, it enhances the safety of screw placements in deformity corrections and spinal fusions, mitigating the risks of neurological injury or hardware malposition. By eliminating the need for postoperative scans to confirm surgical outcomes, iCT streamlines workflow, reduces anesthesia time, and shortens hospital stays, improving overall healthcare efficiency.
At PWH, the adoption of iCT reflects a commitment to cutting-edge, patient-centered care. The technology supports multidisciplinary collaboration, enabling Neurosurgeons, radiologists, and anesthetists to make data-driven decisions in real time. Ultimately, the integration of iCT at PWH underscores the hospital's dedication to optimizing surgical precision, enhancing patient outcomes, and setting new standards for safety and quality in neurosurgical and spinal interventions.
