Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (November 26, 2023) – Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah successfully performed a minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) using a specialized surgical technique for the first time in the Kingdom called Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Surgery (UBE).

Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital is proud to announce the successful treatment of the first patient suffering from a severe back condition called Bi-level Lumbar Stenosis. The neurosurgeons used a specialized surgical technique called Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Surgery (UBE), which is a modern technique that has become increasingly popular in recent years and has been widely used in the treatment of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar degenerative diseases and significantly preserves the structure of the spine.

This innovative surgical procedure was introduced to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Dr. Khalid Abdel-Shaafi in early 2021, and it offers significant advantages over traditional open spine surgery with smaller incisions, less muscle damage, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery times, allowing the patient to resume their normal life sooner.

Initially, the patient complained of difficulty walking long distances, the need to bend forward to relieve pressure on the lower back, and experiencing pain or numbness in the legs. Occasionally, the patient faced challenges in controlling bowel and bladder functions.

The patient underwent surgery at two levels with very small incisions in the skin, which helped to reduce tissue tearing and pain. The UBE spine surgery technique allowed the surgeons to see the surgical area directly, making the surgery more precise and less invasive.

The surgery was a success, and the patient was in good health and was scheduled to be discharged after only 24 hours from surgery with a personalized plan for physical therapy in the future.

“The success of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Surgery (UBE) highlights our commitment to developing medical technologies and improving patient outcomes,” said Dr. Khalid Abdel-Shaafi, the lead surgeon in the operation and a leading advocate for the adoption of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).

The story of success extends beyond the medical team, as the patient’s family expressed their gratitude for the exceptional care and expertise provided by the team at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital. The team of neurosurgeons made a significant difference in their journey to recovery.

Dr. Fatih Mohmet Gul, CEO, stated that Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital is the only private hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that offers UBE spine surgery.

“Our commitment to providing the latest and most advanced medical care is what makes Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital a leader in spine care. This is in line with our goal of providing world-class healthcare to our community,” said Dr. Gul.