The evolution of spinal surgery has made significant advancements in recent years, moving from large, open surgeries to “minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.” This represents a remarkable medical innovation in Thailand for the treatment of spinal disorders, providing patients with less pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
Phayathai Hospital Group is a “leader” in adopting innovative techniques for treating “neurological and spinal cord diseases,” with extensive experience in the field. Dr. Teerasak Puenngam, a neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon, as well as the head of the Mini Spine Center at Phayathai 2 Hospital, pioneered the “Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery” approach, or “minimally invasive surgery,” in Thailand over 15 years ago. Starting with the use of small incision surgical cameras for brain surgery, this technology was expanded to treat spinal disorders through minimally invasive techniques—making Thailand the first country to achieve this success.
The Beginning of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Thailand
Dr. Teerasak recalls, “During my time studying neurosurgery in Germany, I had the opportunity to train and learn from experienced professionals, and I spent several years working in the field. Afterward, I brought the concept of minimally invasive surgery to Thailand.”
When he joined Phayathai Hospital, Dr. Teerasak was the pioneer in using brain surgery technology for spinal surgery. In the past, this technology was primarily used for brain surgery, while spinal surgery had not yet incorporated such advanced techniques. This left patients with significant fear and concerns, especially regarding herniated discs pressing on nerves. In reality, though, a spinal cord compression only affects one nerve, making it less dangerous than brain surgery, which involves a network of numerous nerves.
Minimally Invasive Surgery to Treat Brain Tumors… One of the Greatest Pride
One of the most famous cases of brain tumor treatment was that of ‘Nong Lookmee-Lakshmi Supprung,’ a former child actress from over a decade ago. She underwent minimally invasive surgery to remove a brain tumor, and the procedure was a great success, thanks to the skilled hands of Dr. Teerasak Puenngam. This case remains one of Dr. Teerasak’s proudest achievements.
Dr. Teerasak explains, “Surgery is like being a pilot—you need extensive experience because it requires learning and practicing until you are proficient. This is especially true for minimally invasive surgery, where surgeons must be highly skilled in using specialized instruments. Doctors need to be proficient in managing information, paying attention to every detail, and maintaining high precision in the surgical area.”
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Spinal Nerve Compression
“Over the past 10 years, I have applied the brain surgery technology to spinal surgery. Traditionally, spinal surgeries involved large incisions with no specialized tools, which required the surgeon to rely on their vision alone. This was the point where I became interested and started researching abroad, discovering that minimally invasive spinal surgeries had been performed for over 10 years. I then began using small cameras to perform minimally invasive spinal surgery on patients at Phayathai Hospital. This approach significantly reduced pain for patients, allowing them to recover quickly. After surgery in the morning, patients could go home by the evening. This marked the first successful implementation of minimally invasive spinal surgery with cameras in the treatment of herniated discs.”
As It Is a Common Condition… Treatment Techniques Continuously Evolve
Dr. Teerasak said, “Herniated discs causing nerve compression is a common condition in Thailand. After the success of minimally invasive surgery, we have further developed the treatment, including using local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia and performing surgery. We have also introduced the use of laser technology, originally used for brain surgery, in spinal disc surgeries in Thailand for the first time. Additionally, we introduced a device called a navigator, which helps calculate the exact coordinates of the spinal area to be operated on.”
After Phayathai Hospital introduced minimally invasive endoscopic surgery for spinal patients, it sparked significant awareness in the Thai medical field. Patients were no longer afraid of surgery. In response, Phayathai Hospital opened the Spinal Neurosurgery Center in 2003 and later launched the “Mini Spine Center” or the “Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Center” to further advance this innovative treatment.
What Sets Phayathai 2 Hospital Apart… Building Trust with Spinal Patients
Dr. Teerasak explains, “The Mini Spine team at Phayathai 2 Hospital stands out because we have two expert surgical teams: one specializing in brain neurosurgery and the other in spinal neurosurgery. Being neurosurgeons working with the brain allows us to be meticulous in our approach and apply the experience gained from performing brain surgeries with cameras to spinal disc surgeries effectively.”
Currently, the Mini Spine Center has around 6-7 expert doctors who work as a team. Decisions are made collaboratively, based on their deep knowledge and specialization in different areas. Patients seeking treatment come with various conditions, so the center employs a variety of treatment approaches. After diagnosing each patient, the team meets to discuss and decide on the best treatment method for the patient’s specific needs.
Spinal Surgery Today… No Longer a Fearful Procedure
“The image of spinal surgery, which used to be frightening, has changed. Today, patients who come for treatment are no longer afraid of surgery because they have hope that they can be healed. As a result, the center has helped many spinal patients avoid suffering.”
Currently, more than 1,000 patients have undergone spinal surgery at the center, with around 100 patients being treated each year since the center’s establishment. This is a clear confirmation that minimally invasive spinal surgery is a great new option for patients.
