The Bangkok Spine Academy at Bangkok Hospital discusses 5 years of effective spine treatment techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery. With a multidisciplinary team supported by advanced technology, patients can be assured of effective, quality spine care. At the Bangkok Spine Academy, we provide customized treatment for each individual patient that is holistic, achieves international standards, and reduces the need for unnecessary surgical treatments.
Dr. Phudiphorn Thienprasit, Senior Director at the Bangkok Spine Academy at Bangkok Hospital indicates that the number of cases involving spine conditions in Thailand has risen in recent years and will continue to rise. This can be attributed to the large number of people who work in an office, often having to spend prolonged periods of time sat in front of a computer.
“Most importantly with regards to prevention and treatment of spinal conditions the Thai people now have access to new techniques that can help improve quality of life through Bangkok Hospital’s network of care providers,” Dr. Phudiphorn says.
Gp. Capt. Dr. Tayard Buranakarl, has treated numerous patients with spine conditions utilizing combinations of new techniques such as Direct Lateral Fusion (DLIF) and Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) surgery as well as Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) to enhance successful outcomes of surgery.
Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion (DLIF) surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure developed to treat leg or back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Different from conventional approaches to back surgery, DLIP enters the lumbar spine through the side.
The procedure will be supported by Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) which means the use of electrophysiological methods such as electroencephalography(EEG), electromyography (EMG), to monitor the functional integrity of certain neurological component such as nerves, spinal cord, and areas of the brain. The purpose of IONM is to reduce the risk to the patient of iatrogenic damage to the nervous system , and provides functional guidance to the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), according to Dr. Sarij Srisuparp, Orthopedic Surgeon, refers to the surgical removal of a degenerative or herniated disc and replacement with a surgical implant and bone graft to allow two vertebrae to fuse together. The surgery is designed to relieve pain associated with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spondylolisthesis. Minimal Invasive ALIF is highly effective, because it does minimal damage to surrounding muscle tissue, meaning that patients should have a faster recovery and fewer side effects than with traditional surgery techniques.
At Bangkok Hospital the cooperation between orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeons (through spine access surgery training) increases safety, reduces surgical duration and blood loss, as well as offering the patient a faster recovery period. Dr. Sarij says, “The goal of this surgery is restore balance to the spine and reduce leg or back pain, numbness, weariness, and improper balance as a result of added pressure that is placed on the nerves”.
Bangkok Spine Academy also utilizes the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) for spine surgery. BMP stimulates bone (rhBMP-2) growth naturally in the human body. These proteins that exist in the body can be produced, concentrated and placed in the area of the spine for a spinal fusion to take place. Thus avoiding the need for any use of the patient’s own bone, therefore fewer side effects related to bone harvesting. Your surgeon will discuss with you if this is a suitable adjunct to your surgery.
Pricing can be found at Fixed Price Program for ALIF
Observing behavioral changes and abnormal posture over time can assist prevention of back pain. Once such symptoms are identified, it is recommended that a check-up is given so treatment can begin.
Dr. Nunchaya Chayaopas, specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, indicates that physical rehabilitation for the spine is available for patients who are treated by both surgical and non-surgical methods. The physical therapist will decide which rehabilitation methods to utilize as appropriate to each individual patient. The advantages of short-term physical rehabilitation are a better quality of life for the patient due to a reduction in pain and medication, and the patient gains knowledge of the proper exercises to do before and after treatment.
Physical Therapy for patients who receive nonsurgical treatment includes the use of heat therapy, electrical stimulation, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy to reduce pain and identify causes.
Physical Therapy for patients who require surgical treatment will involve preparing the patient before and the surgery to prevent complications. The goal is to provide an effective rehabilitation process where the patient will be able to transition to continuing physical rehabilitation exercise at home.
For patients where pre-existing conditions preclude surgical treatment, our doctors will take extra care to prevent complications that may occur from those conditions whilst simultaneously focusing on both physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
Dr. Prasert, Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon, explains in patients with cancer, there is chance of the cancer spreading to the spine. Patients will experience pain and weaknesses, with a chance of paralysis. Proper and prompt diagnosis and treatment will help to treat tumors found in the spinal area.
“Treatment of cancer that spreads to the spine presently involves surgical and nonsurgical treatment that aims to strengthen the bone, whilst utilizing technologies such as tumor ablation and chemotherapy”.
The Bangkok Spine Academy at Bangkok Hospital is equipped to provide treatment for patients with spinal conditions, at all stages of the disease. All processes, from diagnosis through to follow-up will involve specialized medical personnel including neurosurgeons, spine surgeons, physical therapist, cancer experts, radiologist, and anesthesiologists, all cooperating to provide best results for the patient.