Life-Changing Recovery: British Patient Defeats Spinal Tumour in Fethiye
26
June
At Private Lokman Hekim Esnaf Hospital in Fethiye, a minimally invasive spinal tumour operation performed instead of open surgery offered new hope for elderly patients.
Health Triumph in Fethiye: British Patient Successfully Treated for Spinal Tumour
A 78 year old British national, Alan Keith Gardiner, presented at Fethiye’s Private Lokman Hekim Esnaf Hospital with severe back pain and limited mobility. Investigations revealed that his previously diagnosed malignant melanoma had metastasised to his spine.
Given his advanced age and overall health, conventional open surgery posed significant risks. Instead, Neurosurgery Specialist Op. Dr Necati Uğur Hazar opted for a three-stage minimally invasive procedure, which included biopsy, thermal ablation, and kyphoplasty.
Dr Hazar explained, “Our patient suffered serious pain and a reduced quality of life due to the metastatic tumour in his spine. In cases involving elderly individuals like this, traditional open surgery can be very risky. Therefore, we performed a closed treatment comprising biopsy, thermal ablation and kyphoplasty. Also, not every case of back pain is due to a slipped disc.”
Following the operation, Alan Keith Gardiner expressed his satisfaction: “I came to the hospital for back pain. The doctor made a correct diagnosis and I underwent surgery. It was a very successful operation. I had it yesterday, and today I feel great. From the doctor to all the hospital staff, everyone was extremely caring, I’m very happy.”
His wife, Rehana Gardiner, also commented: “The doctor explained everything clearly, not just to the patient but also to me. I experienced this period psychologically too. We are both very pleased; we’ll return home healthy.”
According to the hospital’s statement, tissue samples were taken via a specialised needle biopsy to confirm the tumour. Thermal ablation was carried out using radiofrequency or cryoablation to locally destroy tumour cells. The kyphoplasty procedure lifted the collapsed vertebral bone using a balloon and secured it with bone cement. This case once again demonstrates that minimally invasive surgical methods are reliable for treating spinal tumours in elderly patients with systemic conditions.
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