Discover the most modern treatment to end spinal problems
Back pain affects or will reach 80% of the population around the world, according to data from the World Health Organization.
For spine specialist Dr. Haroldo Chagas, Neurosurgeon (SBN and SBC Member) and Head of Neurosurgery at the Federal Hospital of Lagoa – RJ, the adaptation of the home office generated an “epidemic of back pain”. Several workers have had to adhere to working from home, but how many of them have ergonomic chairs to spend so many hours sitting in the same position?
“The pandemic brought, among other problems, an increase in the number of spinal surgeries. Yes, without a doubt this is the moment that I am operating the column the most. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the need for interventions to treat cervical spine problems has greatly increased, mostly patients with intolerable pain. Inactivity is related to cervical and lumbar spine problems. The home office intensifies this effect. In person, like it or not, we need to move. The well-being of the spine is related to movement” – comments Dr. Harold Chagas.
Although common, back pain can have serious implications, especially when it is chronic, affecting even social life. It is important to pay attention in cases of intense and persistent pain in the spine, or when it is accompanied by symptoms such as pain in different parts of the body, burning, tingling or other change in sensitivity in the spine. Among the main diseases are: herniated disc, low back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and scoliosis.
In some cases surgery is necessary. The Spine Endoscopic technique is an evolution of traditional surgery. Learn details of this new procedure in an interview with Dr. Haroldo Chagas:
What is endoscopic surgery?
It’s an evolution. Initially, it was created to carry out essentially the same procedures done in a classic way with open surgery. Gradually, however, it developed to the point that, in some cases, the option for endoscopy allows procedures that are difficult to perform by other means.
Through this minimally invasive procedure, it is possible to cut, remove, coagulate and remodel the structures that cause the various pathologies. It is a procedure performed using a video camera attached to a cannula that allows the insertion of work instruments.
Is the anesthesia for this procedure different?
Endoscopic spine surgery can be performed using general anesthesia or the patient can remain awake with only sedation. This even allows him to collaborate throughout the procedure. Logically, these options undergo a prior evaluation with the surgery and anesthesia team, taking into account all aspects of each case.
In which cases is it recommended?
For treatments of herniated discs, tumors and focal compressions of the spine. It is, therefore, a less invasive option than a major surgery, which would involve the application of instruments and movement restriction.
Is recovery after this procedure faster?
Yes. Since the degree of manipulation and aggressiveness tends to be smaller and more controlled. The return to activities always depends on each patient, but simple cases can return to daily activities in days.
Is the technique new?
Yes. Its use is already well established in developed countries in Asia, Europe, North America and in South American centers in Chile and Colombia. In Brazil, however, disclosure is still small. Knowledge, by patients and clinicians alike, is evolving.
Is the chance of a sequel smaller? Is it less risky?
It allows achieving high degrees of correction of the pathology with a minimum of invasiveness. It is extremely accurate in correcting pathological changes while preserving healthy structures.
But we must emphasize that there is no infallible method and each case needs to be analyzed individually, but certainly, in the modern treatment of spine diseases, endoscopic surgery must always be analyzed as one of the safest treatment options.