A minimally invasive spine surgery technique with METRx System or the micro endoscopic discectomy system has been introduced in Bangalore by the Sapthagiri Digital Imaging Centre of the Chinmaya Mission Hospital. The new system offers low cost of surgery and a range of advantages that were not possible to perform in the past by neuro surgeons. MERTx is manufactured by US-based Soffamer Danek.

The system is used on patients who suffer from herniated discs, which is a crippling problem in the country. Herniated discs occur because the discs that act as a shock absorber between the bones of the spinal column becomes stiff and less flexible as age increases. Discs that lose their flexibility can rupture and cause neck pain and back pain. A part of the inside of the disc can herniated or leak out through a tear in the ligaments that surround the disc, pressing on the spinal cord or on the nerves that travel out to the arms and legs, explained Dr. Arjun Srivatsa, neurosurgeon in the city who claims to have technique successfully on eight patients. The technique was introduced in the city by the private healthcare sector in July 2002. Among the corporate and charitable hospitals in the city, Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences has installed the equipment.

Conventionally these discs were removed by open procedures with more tissue removal and disruption, which results in longer in-capacitance. Now with the increasing use of microsurgery, faster recovery is possible. Spine surgeons are now able to remove herniated intevertebral discs in the lumbar spine that are putting pressure on the spinal nerve and causing pain, informed Dr. Srivatsa.

The main advantages of the technique compared to conventional surgery are smaller incision, less damage to muscles and ligaments. This apart there is faster mobilisation, minimal scar formation, easier rehabilitation and physical therapy after spine surgery as there is minimal damage to the spine muscles. The others benefits are that there is minimal scar formation and shorter hospital stay.

A disadvantage of the technique is that it cannot be used for trauma and fractures.