Man able to walk without pain after spinal surgery

A man who suffered from a spinal condition says he can now walk without pain after becoming a hospital's first patient to undergo a new procedure.

Russell Stamp, from Sunderland, experienced "severe pain" whenever he took more than a few steps, which forced him to rely on pain killers and work from home.

But after having endoscopic spinal surgery at Sunderland Royal Hospital, Mr Stamp said he was now able to "get out and about to see family and friends".

"I still haven't tried anything excessive like sport or running yet, but I hope to in the coming months," he said.

Endoscopic spinal surgery is a technique which allows surgeons to treat spinal conditions using a tiny camera inserted through incisions as small as 7mm (0.2in) to 10mm (0.4in).

The procedure was the first of its kind to be carried out at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

The trust said the technique significantly reduced trauma to surrounding muscles and tissues, leading to less pain and quicker recovery times.

The surgery was led by consultant orthopaedic spinal surgeon Balaji Purushothaman, alongside his colleague Sarang Sapare.

Mr Purushothaman said the service would allow the trust to treat a wide range of spinal conditions and help patients return to a normal life faster and with fewer complications.

The technique has already been used at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and a few others centres in the UK, but this was the first time it has been used in Sunderland.

The trust's lead divisional director Sheena Fish said the procedure was "another step forward in ensuring our patients have access to the very best treatment options".

The trust said it planned to expand the service to treat a wider range of spinal conditions.

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