Life Empangeni Private Hospital continues to lead the way in advanced spinal care, offering patients access to Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE). Introduced at the hospital in 2022, UBE is a minimally invasive surgical technique that has transformed outcomes for those living with debilitating spinal conditions.

With UBE, surgeons make two very small incisions in the back. Using the two portals, the biportal technique provides improved manoeuvrability, visibility and a working environment for surgeons. This approach introduces a triangulation, allowing instruments to be positioned at different angles, addressing the challenges associated with limited working space of uniportal endoscopy.

The biportal approach offers a superior minimally invasive option to patients for spinal intervention, particularly in complex cases or procedures involving multiple levels. Conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis and facet joint disorders can be treated effectively, while revision surgeries for failed prior interventions are also possible.

The minimally invasive nature of UBE offers many advantages: smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, reduced blood loss, minimal scarring and faster recovery. Patients typically experience shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain and quicker rehabilitation.

Since its introduction, UBE has been successfully performed on a growing number of patients at Life Empangeni Private Hospital, strengthening the hospital’s reputation as a facility of choice for minimally invasive spinal surgery.

These minimally invasive procedures are carried out by Dr Sailesh Ragoo, orthopaedic spinal surgeon with over 20 years’ experience, and Dr Neil van der Berg, orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in spinal surgery, anthroplasty and musculoskeletal trauma. Together, they offer patients safer alternatives to traditional open surgery.

Disclaimer: The information is shared on condition that readers will make their own determination, including seeking advice from a healthcare professional. E&OE. Life Healthcare Group Ltd does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by the reader as a result of the information provided.