From pain to relief: How Dr Darsi Poati is changing lives with endoscopic spine surgery

Life Dalview Hospital is proud to be home to one of only two doctors in Gauteng, and fewer than 10 nationwide, qualified to perform cutting-edge unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery for chronic back pain sufferers.
With special fields of interest in spinal rehabilitation, spinal injuries, spine pathologies and pediatric neurosurgery, Dr Darsi Boungou Poati is offering new hope for those experiencing chronic back pain who are unresponsive to non-surgical treatment.
A specialist neurosurgeon of many accolades from both the public and private sectors, Dr Poati has held various positions as a consultant and was second in charge of pediatric neurosurgery at the Chris Hani Baragwaneth Academic Hospital.
Dr Poati was also the head of neurosurgery at the Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus.
Through many years of training and working in the state sector, Dr Poati is an innovative, ever-evolving neurosurgeon, who aims to create awareness of what neurosurgery entails and the added positive contributions it has on those needing appropriate intervention.
Dr Poati has been performing surgeries at Life Dalview Hospital for the past three years, and has had consulting rooms on-site for a year.
Specialising in endoscopic techniques, Dr Poati is changing the lives of his patients through minimally invasive surgery, often with patients being discharged home on the day of the procedure without the need to be admitted overnight.
According to Dr Poati, a slipped, herniated or bulging disc describe the same condition, where the fibrocartilage spacers between a person’s spinal vertebrae deteriorate and begin pressing on the nerves.
A traditional approach to the repair procedure would usually mean a week in the hospital, at least six weeks off work and a gradual return to normal activities that impact the patient’s productivity.
The endoscopic procedures performed by Dr Poati – either monoportal or biportal – are much less invasive and minimise many of the usual risks associated with open surgery because there is no need to cut through muscle or expose a large surgical site.
The time in theatre is greatly reduced and the operation can even be performed under local anaesthetic in certain cases.
A small puncture, or two in the case of the biportal procedure, is made in the skin and an endoscope with a light and a tiny camera are carefully inserted to see where the damaged intervertebral disc is pressing on the nerves.
Dr Poati removes only the pieces causing the pain, so most of the disc remains to fulfil its crucial spacing and shock absorbing function.
A person can often resume light duties just a week later with much less postoperative pain than the traditional lumbar discectomy.
One of Dr Poati’s patients, 54-year-old James van Dressely, shared that his back is now in the best shape it’s ever been after undergoing endoscopic surgery.
The Minnebron resident, who worked as a technician at a security company, suffered a serious fall from a stepladder in April, resulting in multiple pinched nerves.
The injury left him unable to work and in constant, debilitating pain.
“I would have done anything to get relief. I’d collapse and even pass out from the pain after just taking a step,” he recalled. “I couldn’t do anything but cry.”
James tried physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, and even acupuncture, but nothing brought lasting relief.
In May, he underwent the minimally invasive surgery performed by Dr Poati.
“After the operation, the physio got me out of bed, and after just a few steps, I was smiling all the way,” he said.
“My back is better now than it ever was. I can feel the difference, a big difference.”
James praised Dr Poati’s compassionate care.
“He treated me like family. He came to visit me in the ward and actually spoke to me. He has an amazing team that support and help you through the whole process,” he said.
Patients from far beyond Brakpan seek out Dr Poati, who is known for his deep passion for his work and commitment to continuous learning.
His interest in the brain and spine began in medical school, where he was fascinated by the complexity of the human nervous system.
That passion has taken him across the world, to Germany, China, India, and beyond, in search of the best techniques and innovations to help his patients.
While the endoscopic surgery is life-changing for many, Dr Poati remains a firm advocate for conservative non-operative pain management treatment first.
He stresses that surgery must be earned and that every other avenue must be explored before surgery is considered.
Bookings can be made by calling 011 747 0589.
WCA and injury on duty patients are accepted.
Polmed, Keycare, GEMS and Medscheme medical aids are accepted, amongst others.
Private patients are also welcome, and flexible payment plans are available