Lumbar spine disease can lead to excruciating back pain. A new minimally invasive lateral surgery offers a solution to this issue.

Mr. Wu, a 48-year-old man, experienced severe back pain and difficulty rising after a fall. Despite undergoing medication and rehabilitation treatment, his condition did not improve. He was diagnosed with dissociation of the third lumbar vertebra and spondylolisthesis of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. Dr. Zhao Jiahong, a neurosurgeon at Tainan Sinlau Hospital, recommended minimally invasive lumbar lateral fusion surgery. Following the procedure, Mr. Wu's pain significantly decreased, allowing him to get out of bed and walk the next day. He was discharged from the hospital three days later.

The Neurosurgery Department of Sinlau Hospital has recently developed a new minimally invasive lumbar lateral surgery. During the procedure, the patient lies on their side. After locating the lesion using X-ray imaging, a small incision is made on the side of the abdomen to access the spine. The damaged intervertebral disc is then removed and replaced. A larger intervertebral fusion stent is utilized to expand the vertebral foramen and alleviate spinal canal stenosis. This is subsequently secured with minimally invasive bone screws, which helps to avoid damaging the back spinal muscle groups and minimizes injury to the lumbar plexus and blood vessels, thereby achieving an indirect decompression effect. The surgery is not only safer but also allows for a faster recovery. This advancement is a significant benefit for patients with lumbar conditions and marks a new milestone in lumbar spine surgery.

The doctor explained that the new surgical technique differs from traditional posterior surgery. This approach does not require the destruction of the muscles or lamina associated with the spinal joints. Additionally, because the surgical pathway is located in front of the psoas major muscle, there is a reduced risk of damaging the nerves in the lower limbs. The advantages of this new technique include: 1. Preservation of the spinal muscle group, which enhances spinal stability; 2. A decreased likelihood of nerve damage, making it safer; 3. Reduced bleeding; 4. A lower risk of infection; 5. Decreased pain; and 6. Shortened hospitalization time. However, it is important to remain cautious about potential surgical risks, which may include bleeding, peripheral vascular obstruction in the lower limbs, poor circulation, retrograde ejaculation, ureteral injury, and hernia, although the incidence of these complications is low.