A 36 year old female patient presented at Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital complaining of severe lower back pain and difficulty with mobility which prompted her to use a wheelchair.
Thorough investigations including an x-ray and MRI revealed the presence of a fracture in the third vertebra of the lower lumbar spine, with the culprit being a tumour that had eaten out the vertebra causing it to collapse.
Further investigations were done to rule out the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body after which a surgery was scheduled to excise the tumour.
Dr. Waseem Aziz, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital performed a seven hour surgery to remove the tumour and restore the vertebral column.
‘The surgery was split into two parts, firstly the removal of the tumour through a small back surgery and secondly, the restoration of the spinal column through a new technique of minimally invasive side approach from the left side of the abdomen. As the tumour was completely removed including the vertebra that was affected, the spinal column was separated into two parts. We successfully managed to repair the spinal column during surgery using artificial titanium cage supported with screws and rods in a 360 degree fashion,’ said Dr. Aziz.
This type of surgery carries high risks as it is performed close to the nervous system which may cause neurological damage such as paralysis. Given his extensive experience in the field, Dr. Aziz carefully studied the risk factors and ensured they were managed safely throughout the surgery using the most advanced neuromonitoring technology.
The patient was discharged in good health four days post-surgery and has regained her ability to walk and has resumed her normal life.
