PROCEDURES
UNILATERAL BIPORTAL ENDOSCOPIC (UBE) SPINE SURGERY
OVERVIEW
Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery, a revolutionary surgical technique, is one of the surgeries that Dr Joubert, a leading expert in the field and the first surgeon in the Eastern Cape to perform the procedure, specialises in.
This modern, highly advanced, minimally invasive surgical technique is performed to address a plethora of conditions such as leg pain, back pain, spinal stenosis, a slipped disc and nerve compression. Importantly, it only involves creating two small incisions, rather than the large incision commonly used in traditional back surgery. The less intrusive nature of the procedure boasts several benefits, such as a quicker post-operative recovery period, fewer incisions, minimal scarring and fewer complications than open surgery, offering patients a more comfortable and less disruptive experience.
One incision is made to precisely place the tiny bendable tube (endoscope) through in order to get a clear view of the spine. The other incision is created to insert tiny surgical tools to carefully remove the primary source of increased nerve pressure, such as bony overgrowth or a bulging disc. This process is carried out with utmost precision and care, ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
The surgery is performed while the patient lies face down. A continuous, uninterrupted flow of sterile liquid is used throughout the procedure to get a clear view of the operative site and manage the bleeding. Without severing the muscles, the surgeon gently separates them. This strategic yet delicate move provides easy access to the spine while preserving important nearby structures. In some cases, instrumentation such as screws and cages is carefully inserted to help reinforce and stabilise the spine.
One major advantage of the procedure is that it carries minimal risk of damage to the back muscles, allowing for a quicker recovery, a shorter hospital stay, and less pain. With this highly intricate procedure, surgeons can access hard-to-reach regions of the spine with remarkable precision and accuracy.
With a quick recovery rate and high level of safety, Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery is designed to achieve optimal spinal health for all patients, offering hope for a pain-free future.
