By Namita Gupta

Breakthrough in medical technology

Bangalore, India December 01:If you had a spine surgery a few years ago, you could expect it to take as long as a few months before you would be able to return to normal activities. Minimally invasive techniques now are changing the face of spine surgery. What used to result in a week's hospital stay, months recovery period and a large ugly scar, is today only a few days at the hospital, couple of days rest and a few tiny scars. Thanks to state-of-the-art judicious blend of technology, clinical expertise and personalised care by Wockhardt Hospitals' tie-up in India with Harvard Medical International.

Wockhardt's newly launched Spine Center offers comprehensive treatment combining proper and accurate diagnosis,world-class surgical management and excellent rehabilitation,all under one roof.Dr Deshpande V Rajakumar, M Ch a highly skilled neurosurgeon at the Brain and Spine Center,Wockhardt, was the first neurosurgeon who performed pedicle screw fixation for spine injuries and has a clinical fellowship in skull-base surgery from the US. "Spine surgeries are heading towards minimal access technology.Patients can be treated with minimal access, barring a few cases.But spine surgery is very safe if done by well-trained surgeons and will enhance the quality of life. Although there is fear in some patients that it results in paralysis, it is not true.The chances of success are 95%! We have the capability to use all types of technology combined with necessary skills and we tailor make them to each individual patients needs," he says.

Dr KN Krishna, M Ch, a senior neurosurgeon, Brain and Spine Center, Wockhardt has rich experience of over two decades in his field. "Traditionally, the spine was treated by an
orthopedic surgeon and spinal cord-related problems by neurosurgeons. Since these are
interrelated and its management is complex, requiring specialised attention, we work together with a team of specialists and technology for a comprehensive management of complete spinal care - from evaluation and treatment of spine disorders, to treating scoliosis, kyphosis, failed back and deformities among other problems. We have performed some very complex surgeries. I don't see a single center in our country where both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons are working in the same department. None of them have put together a combined effort."

Working closely with a team of specialists - neurosurgeons, spine surgeons,neurologists,radiologists and rehab, Wockhardt offers surgical and non-surgical
evaluation and management of all kinds of spine disorders and complexities. When indicated, surgical options include discectomy, decompression and fusion procedures utilising the most advanced techniques and spinal instrumentation,including minimally invasive spine surgery and microsurgery. Since it's a complex surgery, proper care must be taken to involve highly skilled surgeons with an appropriate blend of technology so that they can assist you in fast recovery.

Dr Dilip Gopalakrishnan, MS, Spine Surgeon at the Brain and Spine Center who specialises in deformity correction feels that congenital deformities have to be diagnosed early and Spinal Dysraphism can even lead to lung function, back impairment, neurological paralysis and urinary disorders. "We have complete worldclass diagnostic modalities to rectify all kinds of deformities," he says.

"We do detailed examinationanatomy, pathology and etiology and then suggest the right kind of surgical procedures. We have a whole gamut of customised treatments. In some cases, only physiotherapy is required for pain management," says Dr Chandran Gnanamuthu, MD, DM a neurologist at Wockhardt with over 35 years of experience. He feels that precise diagnosis is very crucial. Here lies the role of the chief physical rehabilitation, Joseph Pasangha who has set up the country's first preventive rehabilitation center in Bangalore at Wockhardt. Preventive and pre operative exercise and conditioning are his core strengths. He specialises in the treatment and prevention of repetitive strain injuries and educates people in the ergonomics of workrelated injuries, suggesting corrective postures to prevent surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery is certainly the wave of the future for many spinal procedures and will continue to develop as new and safe techniques continue to evolve.


From L to R, Team of senior doctors at Wockhardt Spine Center - Dr Dilip Gopalakrishnan, Dr KN Krishna, Dr Deshpande V Rajakumar, Dr Chandran Gnanamuthu and Joseph Pasangha.