ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF HERNIATED DISC: 74-YEAR-OLD MAN WALKS AGAIN AFTER 48 HOURS

Once believing he would be bound to a walking cane for life due to a herniated disc, Mr. S.E. (74 years old, Cambodian national) regained the ability to walk on his own just two days after treatment at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital.

Herniated disc – A common burden among the elderly

Herniated disc is a common spinal condition, especially among middle-aged and elderly individuals. It occurs when the intervertebral disc slips out of its normal position, pressing on surrounding nerves. This condition often causes symptoms such as persistent or severe pain in the lower back, neck, or shoulders, radiating pain, numbness, muscle weakness in the arms or legs, limited mobility, and significant impairment to quality of life.

For many years, Mr. E. suffered from chronic back pain radiating down both legs. Despite trying various medical treatments in his local area, his symptoms did not improve and even worsened, making it difficult for him to move and perform daily activities. The constant dull pain in his lower back caused insomnia and fatigue, severely affecting his well-being.

Introduced by a relative who had successfully received treatment at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, Mr. E. decided to travel to Vietnam for consultation and care.

Endoscopic spine surgery – A modern solution for the elderly

At Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, Mr. E. was examined by Dr. Nguyen Hai Tam, a Specialist in Neurosurgery & Spine Department. He was prescribed an MRI of the lumbosacral spine to assess the extent of damage.

MRI imaging combined with clinical examination revealed degenerative changes in the lumbar spine and a herniated disc at L3–L4, compressing the L4 nerve root — the main cause of his intense radiating pain in both legs. Additionally, Dr. Tam also identified mild disc protrusion at levels L2–L3, L4–L5, and L5–S1, indicating a widespread injury across the lower back.

Despite his advanced age of 74 and underlying conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, Mr. E. was deemed fit for surgery after thorough health evaluation. Dr. Tam recommended endoscopic spine surgery — a minimally invasive technique using advanced technology to precisely access the damaged area and relieve pressure on the nerve root. Compared to traditional open surgery, endoscopic spine surgery significantly reduces postoperative complications and shortens recovery time.

With the aid of the C-arm imaging system, the Neurosurgery & Spine surgery team successfully removed the herniated nucleus pulposus at L3–L4 and implanted a specialized interbody fusion cage, secured with four hollow pedicle screws to restore spinal stability and prevent further nerve compression.

“For elderly patients with multiple comorbidities like Mr. E., endoscopic spine surgery greatly reduces the risk of blood loss, infection, and lengthy hospital stays. This is one of the most advanced methods available today for treating herniated discs”, Dr. Tam noted.

Less than two days after surgery, Mr. E.’s condition improved significantly. He was able to walk slowly on his own and no longer experienced radiating pain down his legs — a symptom that had tormented him for years.

Reflecting on his father’s recovery, Mr. E.’s son expressed his amazement: “We didn’t expect him to stand up so soon. Seeing him walk again just two days after surgery was beyond what we imagined”. The family also extended heartfelt thanks to the doctors and medical staff at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital for their dedicated care and professional support throughout the treatment process.

Age is not a barrier to healing

Mr. E.’s case is a powerful reminder that age or underlying health conditions need not be barriers to recovery — as long as the patient receives timely and appropriate treatment. If you or your loved ones are silently enduring persistent back pain or leg numbness, don’t ignore the symptoms or accept them as a way of life. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and the right method can completely transform your quality of life.

Special thanks to Thanh Nien Newspaper for reporting this story.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.