University Hospital has carried out a state-of-the-art endoscopic operation on a 38-year-old patient, an active-duty servicewoman who had been suffering for more than six months from severe back pain radiating into her leg. The woman wished to remain anonymous.
She first sought medical help at her duty station because of the persistent, intense pain. Examination revealed an 8.5 mm extrusion of an intervertebral disc. Despite prolonged conservative treatment, her condition did not improve: the pain intensified, prevented her from sleeping and was not relieved by changing her body position. In time, she developed pain in the cervical spine radiating into her arm, along with dizziness.
As her symptoms progressed, it became increasingly difficult for her to walk. This caused not only everyday difficulties, but also prevented her from fully performing her service duties, which made her anxious about her role in the unit’s work.
University Hospital used biportal endoscopic removal of the herniated intervertebral disc. In this type of procedure, neurosurgeons operate through two small punctures: a video camera is inserted through one, and microsurgical instruments through the other. The operation is performed under visual control, without cutting the muscles — they are gently parted, which significantly reduces tissue trauma.
After the operation, the patient reports significant relief, the disappearance of unbearable pain and the return of the ability to walk freely. She said that her eight-year-old son had previously been afraid that, because of her illness, his mother would have to use a wheelchair, but those fears have now gone.
«It is like night and day. I walk easily, I can walk. And my son has already seen me and no longer worries that I will be in a wheelchair»
According to the medical team, over the past year University Hospital has already performed more than 20 similar endoscopic spinal procedures.