Elderly & Diabetic Patients
By Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti, Neurosurgeon & Endoscopic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad.
Age and diabetes are often reasons people are told they are ‘not fit’ for surgery. Muscle-sparing endoscopic surgery, often under sedation, changes that for many older and diabetic patients.
Age and diabetes are often the reasons people are told they are ‘not fit’ for spine surgery. The minimally invasive endoscopic approach changes that conversation for many patients.
Because it can be done with the muscles preserved, minimal blood loss, and often under sedation or local anaesthesia, endoscopic surgery is gentler on older patients and on those with diabetes or heart and lung conditions. The tiny 8 mm wound and lower infection risk are particularly valuable for people with diabetes, in whom large wounds heal slowly.
Every case is assessed individually, with full hospital and medical support at Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad — so suitability is decided on overall health, not age alone.
More on Outcomes & Special Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is age a barrier to endoscopic spine surgery?
Often not. Because it is muscle-sparing with minimal blood loss and can be done under sedation, endoscopic surgery is frequently suitable for older patients when open surgery would be riskier.
Is endoscopic spine surgery safe for diabetics?
The tiny 8 mm wound and lower infection risk make it well suited to people with diabetes, whose larger wounds tend to heal slowly. Blood sugar is managed carefully around surgery.
Who decides if I am fit for surgery?
Suitability is assessed on your overall health with full medical support at Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad – not on age alone.
Have a question or an MRI to review?
Send it to Dr. Kalyan’s team for an honest opinion. Consultations at Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad.