Breakthrough spinal procedure
to improve recovery times
A Greenslopes Private Hospital neurosurgeon has assisted in developing a new
technique to improve outcomes and reduce recovery times for patients with lumbar
canal stenosis.
The condition causes the spinal canal to
narrow, which compresses the nerves
and can lead to back and leg pain.
Traditionally, treatment options have
been limited to invasive surgery, which
can cause complications, especially in
elderly patients.
Dr Alex Koefman said the condition is
common in the older patient cohort, and
often age is a barrier to invasive surgical
treatment.
“Traditional techniques result in them
recovering in hospital for many days
which significantly increases their risk
of medical complications, like DVT, PE,
and musculoskeletal deconditioning,” Dr
Koefman said.
For the past three years, Dr Koefman
has been working on the development
of a new keyhole procedure to reduce
lumbar canal stenosis and its symptoms.
The procedure was developed in
conjunction with a technology company
and involves using fibre optic and
greenslopesprivate.com.au | 5
ultrasonic technology through one
keyhole incision, which avoids the need
for invasive techniques.
“It’s achieving the same degree of nerve
decompression which would otherwise
be achieved through open surgery
- that’s really been the take home
message of what we’ve come up with,”
Dr Koefman said.
So far, Dr Koefman has performed the
new procedure approximately 200
times and it has become a routine part
of his practice.
It is the first of its kind in Australia and
is expected to be used as a first-line
treatment for patients suffering from
lumbar canal stenosis.
“There are several spine surgeons
using incumbent minimally invasive
techniques, but I think they will consider
the ultrasonic technology as a natural
evolution of their technique once they
see it,” Dr Koefman said.
The procedure is suitable for all age
groups and will restore the quality of life
for 75 to 80-year-olds who have typically
not been candidates for surgery.
Recovery times can be reduced by up to
five days.
“Most of my patients are going home
the following day. The oldest person
I’ve operated on was 91; all she wanted
to do was just get back walking on
the beach and that’s exactly what we
achieved, and she was mobilised right
after the surgery,” Dr Koefman said.
Dr Koefman is currently offering the new
technique to patients at Greenslopes
Private Hospital.
Dr Alex Koefman is also consulting in
Cleveland for the convenience of the
residents in the Redlands region.
Contact details:
Radiation Oncology Centres
Bayside Business Park
16-24 Weippen Street
Cleveland QLD 4163