Interview with a spinal surgeon of the Center for Neurosurgery at Hospital 7 by Gura Vyacheslav Arturovich

Medtour continues to introduce you to leading doctors and the latest medical innovations in Ukraine. This time we talked with the spinal neurosurgeon of the Neurosurgery Center on the basis of the Kiev City Clinical Hospital No. 7, Vyacheslav Arturovich Gura.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Gura Vyacheslav Arturovich, I am a neurosurgeon. In our clinic, we offer patients the entire list of neurosurgical care. This includes the treatment of oncological tumors and degenerative diseases of the spine, such as: herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, spinal canal stenosis, as well as injuries, spinal fractures.

What diseases do patients most often come to you with?

If we talk about degenerative diseases of the spine, then among them the most common are herniated discs. The main symptom of this pathology is a pronounced pain syndrome. If the lumbar spine is affected, the pain may radiate to the leg, if the cervical one — the pain is usually localized in the arm. There may also be neurological deficits, such as impaired pelvic organ function, paresis of the foot, Cauda syndrome (ponytail syndrome) and others.

What equipment does your department have?

We have the most modern neurosurgical equipment at our disposal. These are neuronavigation systems, operating microscopes, a multifunctional operating table that allows the patient to be positioned in any position necessary for surgical intervention. In addition, we have microsurgical instruments, a Mayfield brace (a device that fixes the patient`s head during surgery on the brain or cervical spine).

What techniques do you use to perform operations?

We perform most of the interventions under an operating microscope, including the treatment of herniated discs. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence of the disease, which is often present if surgery is performed without an operating microscope. Most operations are performed minimally invasive, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the rehabilitation period.

Tell us about the rehabilitation of patients after spinal surgery?

If we talk about the removal of a herniated disc, then patients can already walk literally 3-4 hours after surgery. We usually send them home the next day. That is, the need for a patient to stay in a hospital with a herniated disc is only one day. If we talk about more complex surgical interventions, the period of hospitalization is up to 5 days. As a rule, patients do not need any specific rehabilitation program. There are just a number of restrictions on physical activity.

What consumables do you use during operations?

As for the implants, we use high-tech and high-quality materials of foreign
production, for example Medtronic implants (USA). For patients who do not have the opportunity to pay for the American design, there are more budget options.

These are implants from European manufacturers, which are no worse than American ones and are more accessible to patients. Before the operation, we give a person the opportunity to choose an implant, tell them in detail about the features and advantages of certain models.

How do you determine if a patient really needs spinal surgery?

I want to note that we perform all operations strictly according to indications. We are guided by American and European criteria and never prescribe unnecessary surgical interventions. There are standards that clearly define the expediency of the operation. Therefore, we honestly inform patients when they really need surgery.

Which foreign colleagues do you cooperate with?

We work closely with Britain. In particular with Henry Marsh. This is a famous British neurosurgeon. She has done a huge number of operations, among them the most complex interventions on the brain. He became the founder of microsurgical operations performed under an operating microscope in Ukraine. In fact, he taught our domestic neurosurgeons how to perform such surgical interventions. We are in close cooperation with this doctor: we consult on various issues, send pictures, hold online conferences. He often comes to visit us in Ukraine.

Has the situation in the country affected the patient admission process?

Taking into account the current situation in the country, if necessary, we conduct online consultations. This is a full-fledged consultation that allows you to solve all the main issues concerning the need for surgery, determining its type and degree of complexity, and the nature of rehabilitation. The patient can send us pictures. We have the opportunity to watch them online. Through the Zoom program, we can listen to all the complaints that concern the patient, answer all the questions that interest him and decide on the appointment of treatment.

Do complications occur after neurosurgical operations?

As for postoperative complications, as well as the mortality rate, there were no «accidents» in our practice. Fortunately, all operations are going well.

Do you contact your patients after the completion of treatment?

After discharge, we continue to advise our patients on any issues, in person or in absentia, as it is convenient for them. We conduct postoperative monitoring, maintain contact with patients, never abandon anyone and always meet people halfway.