GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL SINGAPORE

Spine surgery is a clinically complex and technically challenging field . It ’ s a mixture of art and science where achieving the best patient outcomes is the result of teamwork across the spectrum of patient care . This includes the collection of medical history , examination skills of the attending specialist , accurate diagnostics , and a competent operating and nursing team .

In recent years , innovations and advancements in spine surgery have enabled surgeons to play a pivotal role in a patient ’ s recovery and in improving their quality of life .

At Gleneagles Hospital Singapore ( GEH ), we are committed to providing the best medical care that best addresses each patient ’ s spinal condition ( s ).

Surgical innovation embraces cutting-edge diagnostics systems and enhanced treatment facilities , complemented by a competent team of nurses and allied health professionals . This enables our Orthopaedic surgeons , all of whom possess extensive training from prestigious local and overseas medical institutions , to work with the best tools in an environment optimised to enable them to operate in and provide the best possible care for our patients .

As an example of this consistent ongoing commitment to providing a high level of care to patients undergoing spine treatment at GEH , our operating theatres are equipped with modern imaging technology and

Varun Panjwani & Dr Melvin Heng

surgical navigation systems which guide surgeons in successfully placing delicate implants while reducing the patient ’ s exposure to radiation . This leads to a reduced risk of complications and nerve injuries as surgical procedures can be completed with precision and safety .

Spine care includes the management of conditions such as a degenerative spine , lumbar spinal stenosis , nerve compression , slipped discs , and spondylolisthesis . In the treatment of these conditions , GEH ’ s orthopaedic and spine surgeons turn to procedures such as decompression laminectomy , lumbar discectomy , and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion to stabilise the spine through minimally invasive means and with computernavigated assistance .

A particular area of expertise is the use of minimally invasive surgical procedures . Fast becoming one of the standard treatment options for conditions such as degenerative disc disease , disc herniation , and spinal stenosis , it can also be used in the treatment of complex spinal conditions such as grade 2 to 3 spondylolisthesis , spinal deformities , and revision surgeries . Compared to traditional open surgery , minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions . This causes less pressure or injuries to nearby muscles and tissues and offers advantages such as reduced post-operative pain and scarring , less blood loss , and faster recovery after surgery . Patients typically experience improved recovery and mobility post-surgery , enabling them to quickly resume daily activities .

Beyond operative procedures , GEH adopts a multidisciplinary approach with key teams of doctors , nurses , and allied health professionals in physiotherapy , occupational therapy , orthotics , and rehabilitation medicines working together in support of patients throughout their treatment , rehabilitation , and eventual recovery with us .

GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com SEPTEMBER 2022

117