Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai has successfully performed the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery called Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery which is used for treating unstable spine.

TLIF is a very recent, most advanced and highly skilled form of spine surgery for fusion of two or more vertebrae of the lumbar (lower back) spine. The minimally invasive technique is best recommended for appropriately screened patients suffering from degenerative spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, lumbar canal stenosis, black disc, nerve compression with associated low back pain.

Until recently, all patients slated for fusion surgeries of the lumbar spine have had to undergo a strenuous surgical procedure known as Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) involving large midline incisions for cutting of muscles, ligaments and bone in the lower back. While PLIF surgeries are known to offer good results, the surgery involves large incisions that could cause damage to important muscles, intraoperative bleeding followed by prolonged bed rest. Additionally, there is increased chance of nerve injury due to handling of nerve tissues during surgery - all of which could lead to Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Pioneering TLIF surgeries at Wockhardt Hospitals Dr Vikas Gupte, Consultant Spine Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, said, "TLIF is far more beneficial than conventional PILF surgeries as it is a minimally invasive surgery done through a 3-cm incision. The surgery has hardly any bleeding and there is no need for blood transfusion. Further advantages include preserving the normal structures of the body. The patient can be mobilized faster and can stand and walk the day after the surgery."

"Various factors are taken into consideration before recommending a TLIF, including the condition to be treated, age and health of the patient, lifestyle and anticipated level of activity following surgery," explains Dr Gupte. As such, patients suffering from degenerative spondylolisthesis, degenerated disc disease, black disc, foraminal/lateral stenosis, spondylolysis - listhesis Gr. 1, instability, and nerve compression with associated low back pain may be candidates for TLIF.

The patients who have undergone this surgery at Wockhardt Hospitals had reported typical symptoms like back pain, difficulty in walking long distance, leg pain, tingling numbness in leg, muscle weakness in the low back, hips and legs, restricted mobility and limiting lifestyle. These were cases that had not responded to conservative treatment options such as rest, physical therapy or medication.

The patients were able to walk the very next day following the TLIF which is a three-and-half-hour procedure. They were discharged around the fourth day after the surgery. However, physiotherapy and exercise was advised from Day 1. Their recovery was faster - within three to four days as compared to two-three months following PILF surgery.

Addressing the press Dr. Ravindra Karanjekar, AVP and Head of Wockhardt Hospitals, Mulund said, "Such surgeries not only help patients overcome the fear of spine surgeries, but also help them get back to resume work faster. Wockhardt Hospitals has always been in the forefront in providing advanced treatment options."

The Wockhardt Hospitals Spine Centre at Mulund provides advanced micro-surgical techniques to treat complex Spine disorders. This super specialty centre is amongst the few in Asia equipped with most advanced neuro-navigation and endoscopic facilities to perform complex spine neurosurgeries.