Hospital da Luz Coimbra applied, for the first time, surgical procedures by endoscopy to treat herniated discs in the lumbar spine. This is a less invasive approach, that has the main advantage for patients of a faster and less painful recovery. These interventions were recently performed at Hospital da Luz Coimbra by neurosurgeon José Luís Alves , with the support of Carl Furstenberg, of the Heidelberg University Hospital (Germany). Lumbar herniated discs are increasingly prevalent. This condition is characterized by the compression of the spinal disc over the sciatic nerve, causing intense pain in the lumbar region irradiating to the lower limb. “This surgery, consisting in the decompression of the nerve structures resorting to endoscopic techniques (through a small incision of about 1 centimetre in the skin), allows a faster recovery, with no relevant pain in the post-operative period, and an earlier return to daily activities, with no significant limitations”, explains the neurosurgeon, further highlighting the low risks of the procedure. In the photo above , Inês Ligeiro (surgical instrumentalist) Carl Furstenberg and José Luís Alves.
