Doctors in Pune have saved a 12-year-old boy from imminent paralysis by performing a complex endoscopic spine surgery. The minimally invasive procedure, hailed as a milestone in pediatric neurosurgery, has not only restored the child’s mobility but also highlighted the growing capabilities of India’s medical fraternity in advanced surgical care.
The young patient, identified as Aarav (name changed for privacy), was brought to the hospital after he began experiencing severe back pain, numbness in his legs, and difficulty walking. Initial assessments suggested a possible spinal cord compression, a condition that, if left untreated, could have led to permanent paralysis.
MRI scans revealed a herniated disc pressing dangerously against the spinal cord, a rare but serious condition in children. Given the urgency, the hospital’s multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, pediatricians, and anesthetists quickly formulated a treatment plan.
Traditionally, spinal decompression surgery involves large incisions, significant muscle dissection, and a longer recovery period. However, the Pune team opted for an advanced endoscopic approach, using a tiny camera and specialized instruments inserted through a small incision.
Dr. Priya Kulkarni, the lead neurosurgeon, explained, “Endoscopic spine surgery allows us to access and treat the affected area with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues. For children, this means less pain, reduced risk of complications, and a much faster recovery.”
The surgery lasted just under two hours. Surgeons successfully removed the herniated disc material, relieving pressure on the spinal cord. Intraoperative monitoring ensured that no nerve damage occurred during the delicate procedure.
Aarav’s recovery was swift and smooth. Within 24 hours, he was able to move his legs and sit up in bed. By the third day, he was walking with support, and a week later, he was discharged from the hospital with a clean bill of health.
His parents expressed immense gratitude to the medical team. “We were terrified when we heard the word ‘paralysis.’ The doctors not only saved our son’s life but gave him a chance to live normally again,” said Aarav’s mother.
Endoscopic spine surgery, though common in adults, is still emerging in pediatric care due to anatomical and technical challenges. This successful case demonstrates that with the right expertise and technology, even young patients can benefit from minimally invasive procedures.
The hospital plans to conduct awareness programs for parents and pediatricians, emphasizing early detection of spinal problems and the availability of advanced treatment options. Experts stress that timely intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible damage in children presenting with back pain, numbness, or weakness.