Salford Royal becomes first hospital in UK to carry out advanced spinal surgery

Salford Royal Hospital recently became the first hospital in the UK to carry out an endoscope assisted lumbar fusion on local postal worker Claire.

The nerves on both sides of Claire’s spine had become compressed, causing her to struggle with movement and posture. Claire was presented with the choice of having this innovative surgery, and chose to proceed with it.

Endoscopin assisted lumbar fusion is a minimally invasive spinal fusion technique. Claire’s three hour surgery was performed using this minimally invasive technique that involved a tiny incision, allowing for minimal damage to the bony structure of the spine and the muscles around it.

Using this technique reduces the patient’s pain after surgery. In this case, Claire was able to be safely sent home to recover just six hours after her surgery.

Claire was in good spirits as she attended her post-operative assessment to see how she was doing after her surgery with her consultant neurosurgeon Ankur Saxena.

She said: “For me to be home in a day was wonderful. The recovery process is so much quicker, and I can’t fault the care I have received. Everything has been so smooth, and my confidence is getting better day by day.

“I think it’s a brilliant thing what the team has done and how many more people they can help because of this. I’m really chuffed to have been a part of it.”

Mr Saxena who was delighted to see Claire’s progress, said: “Claire’s phenomenal. She has made an amazing recovery and helped pave the way for others. She is independently mobile at home, and we hope her movement will continue to improve so she is more comfortable and able to return to her work as a postal officer.

“In addition to the benefits to patients, performing surgeries in this way has a massive impact in helping improve patient flow and has financial benefits to the organisation. If we can offer this as a day case to other patients the risk of cancellation is minimal, and we can free up beds for other patients to improve hospital efficiency.

Featured image of claire with consultant neurosurgeon Ankur Saxena.