A Story of Hope, Against All Odds

Recently, I had the privilege of operating on a patient who many others had written off.

An 82-year-old gentleman had been wheelchair-bound for over six years. He suffered from:

• Severe leg weakness
• Inability to walk or stand
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction

He had visited multiple surgeons across the region, all of whom turned him away. The consensus was clear — surgery would be too risky, given his:

• Advanced age
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Limited mobility
• History of ischaemic heart disease

Each time, he left with more discouragement — and no solution.

A Fresh Perspective

When the patient came to my clinic at DRHC Dubai, I saw a frail man, yes, but also a spark of hope in his eyes.
We conducted a full neurological and radiological evaluation and confirmed what others had already seen:
Severe lumbar spinal stenosis at L4–L5 with critical compression on the nerves.

But I also saw something else:
Despite his age and frailty, his spinal cord and nerve roots were still viable, and I believed that a minimally invasive endoscopic approach might give him a second chance.

I proposed an endoscopic bilateral decompression at L4–L5 using an interlaminar technique, done through a small working channel under full endoscopic guidance.

And I was honest with his family:
“There’s a 50/50 chance. But if it works, he could walk again.”
They bravely chose hope.

The Operation

The surgery took just under three hours.

• No complications
• Minimal blood loss
• Small incision
• Real-time nerve visualization using endoscopy

Every step was done with precision, protecting the nerves and ensuring full decompression — with as little trauma as possible.

A Miracle Within 24 Hours

What happened next shocked even the most seasoned members of my team:

• Within 24 hours, The patient stood up and walked unassisted.
• This was a man who hadn’t stood for years.
• Tears flowed. Nurses clapped. His family was speechless.
• For a moment, our hospital corridor felt like the finish line of a marathon.

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• Understanding Endoscopic Spinal Decompression: Who It Helps
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The Takeaway: Age Is Not the Only Factor

This case reinforces a truth I hold deeply:

• Chronological age is not a contraindication to spine surgery.
• What matters more is the patient’s neurological reserve, motivation, and a tailored surgical approach.

With modern endoscopic techniques, we can offer hope where others may see only risk.

Final Thoughts

Mr. X’s story is not just about spine surgery — it’s about believing in possibilities.

I’m grateful he trusted me. I’m grateful we dared to try. And I’m proud that he now walks — after six long years of sitting still.

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