Micro-endoscopic surgery — the new-age treatment option for back pain

Have you heard of micro-endoscopic surgery for back pain? If not, then read to know more.

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Published: May 17, 2015 2:41 pm

Do you suffer from severe spinal problems with excruciating back pain and are obese? If yes, then micro-endoscopic decompression surgery is the best solution you can opt for! This procedure has been proved to be beneficial to treat spinal problems in people above 65 years. Rajendra Sanghvi, a 67-year-old patient, who was obese and suffering from lumbar canal stenosis underwent the surgery and got treated for their problem. He also convinced his family members (who were obese and has spinal issues) to undergo the surgery. All of them are leading a healthy life now. (Read: How 5 common spine related problems can ruin your life) Also Read - Global Employee Health and Fitness Month: Easy desk workouts for back and neck pain

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Sanghvi had a history of back pain and numbness in his both lower limbs. He was later diagnosed with lumbar canal stenosis, which meant narrowing of the spinal canal and compression on the leg’s nerve

Though he was informed that surgery was the only solution, Sanghvi could not undergo an open surgery due to the precision complications and lengthy hospital stay followed by a slow recovery. He was suggested to undergo micro-endoscopic decompression surgery. (Read: New revolutionary technique helps in spine correction of a seven year old girl)

What is micro-endoscopic decompression surgery?

It is a process in which a specialised tubular retractor is used for the opening up the spinal canal and making the nerves free.

Micro-endoscopic decompression surgery is highly beneficial for the patients with lumbar canal stenosis. The biggest advantage of this surgery is that the scar is hardly 1.5-2 cm long and appears like an ordinary scratch unlike a long ugly scar after laminectomy, said Arvind Kulkarni, head of Mumbai Spinal Scoliosis and Displacement Center.

How was the surgery carried out?

To undergo the surgery, he was admitted to the city-based Mumbai Spinal Scoliosis and Displacement Center. The surgery was done using an 18 mm incision (key-hole) with tubular retractors with minimal tissue trauma and blood loss. The patient had complete pain relief, started walking after surgery and was discharged the next day. (Read: Want to strengthen your spine and improve posture? Try this yoga pose)

Advantages of the surgery over conventional methods

There is no muscle or bony trauma and thus, the contours of the back are well preserved.
Since the tissue trauma is so minimal, there is no stress on the patient’s metabolic functions unlike after a bigger surgery with significant tissue trauma.
The dependence of the patient on pain-killers for the wound site pain is absolutely minimal compared to an open surgery.
In fact, patients do not express any experience of wound site pain after a few hours of surgery
It is especially good for obese patients who have wound healing problems and the spine is also quite deep. A long incision is otherwise needed to reach depths of 6-7 cm. However, this procedure can be done using a keyhole in these patients.

Three cases, similar results

Being completely satisfied with the surgery, Sanghvi also brought his wife Kantiben after six months. She also faced the complications of obesity. Micro-endoscopic decompression surgery proved to be beneficial for Kantiben too, with 100 percent pain relief.

Two years later the couple’s son also underwent the same surgery for the slipped disc problem with 100 percent results. (Read: Yoga asanas for the spine)

With inputs from IANS

Image Source: Getty Images

Published : May 17, 2015 2:41 pm

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