Minimal invasive surgery gives new lease of life to octogenarian

An octogenarian suffering from ankylosing spondylitis - also known as bamboo spine - has got a new lease of life after a successful minimal access spine surgery at a private hospital, his doctors said on Wednesday.

The patient, 82-year-old Abhrahim Mullaji suffered a fall in November 2014 and was, ever since, complaining of excruciating back pain. His condition deteriorated in February this year, leading to paralysis of his legs.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of rheumatic arthritis associated with long-term inflammation of vertebral joints in the spine. Its symptoms include pain and stiffness from neck down to the lower back.

The vertebrae of the patient's spine may grow or fuse together, resulting in a rigid spine. In case the severe symptoms, it may lead to stooped posture.

Experts at Global Hospitals in Mumbai diagnosed three Andersson Lesions (AL) and recommended surgery. However, because of pleural effusion fluid in Mullaji's lungs and very low protein levels - which could have resulted in further complications and posed risk to his life - doctors opted for minimal invasive surgery.

"The patient told us that the pain he felt now is much less compared with that before the surgery," said Dr Vishal Peshattiwar, endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgeon, at the hospital.

He said the patient was on the road to recovery.