Nigerian first beneficiary of lumbar disc surgery using laser technology
The Saudi German Hospital Dubai has treated lower back disc problem using latest laser technology.
The laser technology was used during a lumbar disc surgery, the first time in the hospital , and the surgery was performed on a Nigerian .
This is a major development as it is in line with the latest scientific techniques
The technology contributed in helping the patient who is a football player from Nigeria to get rid of severe pains that he suffered from, for a long time.
Dr Khaldoun Osman a Neurosurgeon said the patient was admitted to the hospital while suffering from severe lumbar pain on the right side, and an ambulatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test was conducted.
A statement from the hospital said later on, a conservative treatment plan was initiated for two days, yet without any noteworthy improvement.
The MRI revealed the existence of a hernia in the lumbar disc addition to a large piece that was pressing on a nerve. He added that - based on the findings - they decided that it was necessary to perform a microscopic surgery to remove the bulging part of the nucleus pulposus, without removing the lumbar disc, using laser technology.
The physician pointed out that the patient previously underwent a surgery in the l4-l5 area and, therefore, any surgical intervention raises the probability of spinal cord instability, in the case of removal of the lumbar disc.
Commenting on the laser technique, the doctor stated that professionals opt to remove the lumbar disc when conservative treatment fails to relive the pain that the patient suffers from. The painful areas usually are on the hip level, the back of the thigh and feet.
According to him, the importance of using laser technology in disc lumbarrelated surgeries comes from the fact that it helps in removing the bulging part of the nucleus -putting pressure on the nerve - without leaving any scars after the surgery.
It also prevents the recurrence/ relapse of a hernia in the vertebrae and maintains, at the same time, the stability of the spinal cord, by only removing the damaged section and preserving the disc between the vertebrae.
Treatment of lumbar disc by using laser technology is considered modern therapeutic method that the Saudi German hospital is keen on, thanks to significant impact on the efficacy of treatment, thus ensuring the best level of care for patients.
Dr Khaldoun Osman,neurosurgeon is specialized in these procedures of spine surgery. He said he receives lots of patients from Nigeria, adding that he was ready to give trainings to Nigerian doctors who are interested to learn these latest techniques.