Chennai, September 11, 2026: Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, has advanced its spine care programme with the successful introduction of endoscopic fusion surgery, described as a first-of-its-kind procedure in Chennai. The minimally invasive technique offers selected patients requiring spinal fusion an alternative to conventional open surgery and standard minimally invasive surgery, using a working channel and high-definition camera through an incision of about 8 mm.
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| (L to R) Dr Soma Sundar Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery; Dr Clive Fernandes, Director - Medical Services; Dr Balamurali G, HOD Spine and Neurosurgery; Dr Keerthivasan P, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery; Dr Mahesh Kumar K, Medical Superintendent Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet; Dr Singaravadivelu, Senior consultant Orthopaedic Surgery |
During the procedure, surgeons decompress affected nerves, prepare the disc space and place an interbody implant with fixation under continuous visualisation, while aiming to preserve surrounding muscle, bone and ligaments. Compared with open surgery involving larger incisions and extensive muscle dissection, and standard MIS with an incision of around 20 mm, the endoscopic approach is designed to minimise tissue damage, blood loss and postoperative pain, while supporting earlier recovery.
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The technique may benefit carefully selected patients with degenerative lumbar conditions, spinal stenosis, persistent nerve-root compression, selected low-grade instability and revision or redo spine surgery. It may also be considered for elderly patients for whom extensive open fusion could pose a greater surgical burden. However, it is not suitable for everyone, with high-grade slips, complex deformities and cases requiring wide reconstruction potentially requiring conventional surgery.
Dr Keerthivasan P, Senior Consultant Spine and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet, said patient selection depends on clinical evaluation, imaging and overall health. In a recent complex case, a 56-year-old woman with previous L4-L5 open surgery underwent endoscopic treatment for problems at L3-L4 and L4-L5, avoiding scarred tissue. Blood loss was below 50 ml; she walked within two hours and was discharged within two days.
Dr Balamurali, Head of Department – Spine and Neurosurgery, said the advancement strengthens Kauvery’s comprehensive spine programme through precision planning and personalised treatment, particularly for complex and revision cases.
Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Hospitals, said the technology reflects the hospital’s commitment to combining clinical expertise with advanced technology and offering less invasive treatment options wherever appropriate.
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