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In Ordu’s Akkuş district, 75-year-old farmer Göbek was injured after falling from a height of 2 meters while feeding hay to his livestock. Göbek, who suffered fractures in his L1 vertebra, collarbone, and jaw, was found unconscious in the barn by his son, who immediately called emergency services. Initially transferred from Akkuş State Hospital to Ünye State Hospital, Göbek was later referred to Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Health Application and Research Center for advanced treatment.

At the center, spinal robotic surgery, known for its high precision and ability to minimize tissue damage and surgical risks, was performed on Göbek’s spine, leading to his recovery.

"Surgeries performed in this way reduce both error rates and the risk of paralysis."

OMU Faculty of Medicine Orthopedics and Traumatology Department faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sina Coşkun told AA that they opted for spinal robotic surgery, a technique described as "revolutionary in spine surgery," to treat Göbek.

In the three-hour operation, the team prevented the progression of the fracture in the patient’s L1 vertebra, eliminating the risk of paralysis. Coşkun explained:

"We performed a successful surgery and mobilized our patient. Post-surgery, we observed that the spinal stability was fully restored. Spinal robotic surgeries significantly minimize tissue damage and reduce error margins to negligible levels, allowing for safe operations. One of the critical points in this case was the patient’s age, which made the surgery high-risk. Our anesthesia team also performed meticulous work. I extend my thanks to our esteemed Prof. Dr. Ebru Kelsaka and her team. This was the first spinal robotic surgery performed at OMU’s Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, and we hope to continue such procedures. Spine surgery, in particular, is a field that benefits greatly from technological advancements. Surgeries conducted in this manner have lower error rates and reduced paralysis risks. Although these treatments are costly, we successfully conducted this operation with the support of our government. However, ensuring the sustainability of such treatments requires collective effort."

Highlighting the risks due to the patient’s age, Coşkun added:

"It was classified as a high-risk surgery, but thanks to our experienced surgical and anesthesia teams and the dedicated nurses responsible in the ward, the procedure was successful. The patient’s condition is much better and more stable than when he first arrived. The risk of paralysis has been mitigated through the surgery we performed."

Göbek’s son, Cavit Göbek, expressed his gratitude:

"May God bless our doctors here; I sincerely thank them. I am also grateful to the nurses and technical staff. My father’s condition is improving. Time will reveal more about his recovery. Another surgery may be required, but the process will determine that."