Celebrating 300 Full Endoscopic Discectomies: A Milestone in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

A Major Milestone in Spine Surgery

This week, I performed my 300th full endoscopic discectomy — a significant moment in my professional journey and for spine care in the region.

Endoscopic spine surgery (discectomy), once considered novel, is now transforming how we treat patients with herniated discs and nerve compression. It offers a faster, safer, and more precise alternative to traditional surgery — and I am proud to be one of the few surgeons in Dubai to have built extensive experience with this advanced technique.

What Is a Full Endoscopic Discectomy?

A full endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive spine procedure performed through a tiny (5–7 mm) incision, using a high-definition endoscope to remove the damaged portion of a herniated disc. This technique allows for:

Minimal tissue trauma
No muscle cutting
Less blood loss
Shorter recovery times
Same-day discharge

This approach has proven to be highly effective for lumbar disc herniation, sciatica, and foraminal stenosis, with a >90% success rate and low recurrence.

300 Surgeries, 300 Lives Changed

Behind each case is a personal journey:

A young father unable to work due to leg pain
A marathon runner desperate to avoid spinal fusion
A retiree regaining independence after months of immobility

These are the stories that remind me: we are not just treating spines — we are restoring lives.

Evolving With Every Procedure

Since the first case, my technique has evolved significantly:

Mastering both transforaminal and interlaminar approaches
Adopting ultra-minimal access ports for better cosmetic outcomes
Integrating advanced intraoperative imaging and nerve monitoring

With each surgery, I’ve refined how we handle delicate structures around the nerve root, reduce recurrence risk, and accelerate patient recovery.

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Why Dubai Is Embracing Endoscopic Spine Surgery

At the Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC), we are proud to lead the way in minimally invasive spine surgery in Dubai. Our team has helped position UAE as a regional hub for patients seeking:

Short hospital stays
Fast return to work and daily activities
Expert-level care with proven outcomes

With same-day spine surgery options, patients are often walking out of the hospital just hours after their operation.

Looking Ahead: Training, Teaching, and Innovation

As I reflect on these 300 cases, I’m reminded that milestones are not destinations — they are launch pads.

Going forward, I’m focused on:

Training young surgeons in endoscopic techniques
Publishing outcome data to support global research
Continuing to improve every step of the surgical journey — from diagnosis to rehabilitation

Final Thoughts

To my patients — thank you for your trust.
To my colleagues and surgical team — your dedication makes this possible.
To the pioneers of endoscopic spine surgery — your innovation has changed lives, including mine.

This milestone is deeply personal — and deeply motivating. Here’s to the next chapter of excellence in minimally invasive spine care in Dubai.

Dr. Rami Hamed
Consultant Spine & Orthopedic Surgeon
Founder, DRHC – Dubai Healthcare City
📞 ‪+971 4 279 8800‬
🌐 www.drhc.ae
📍 Dubai Healthcare City, Building 52