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As one of the pioneers in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Dr Yue Wai Mun has done numerous studies on the surgery technique.  One of his studies had also clinched the Best Paper Award at the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) annual meeting in 2010 at Miami. SMISS is an international community of spine and neurosurgeons specialising in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.

In the award-winning study, Dr Yue looked into the differences and advantages between traditional open and keyhole spine surgery. The study found that spine surgery in general significantly improves patients’ condition. Although there is no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the surgery, minimally invasive keyhole spine surgery has a faster recovery. The blood loss from the surgery and pain experienced by the patient is also reduced.

This actually means that younger patients can get back to work and activities earlier. As for aged patients, they are able to better tolerate the surgery. With this minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr Yue had even managed to operate on a few patients above 80 years old. However, the surgeon’s experience and continued practice is crucial to the outcome of keyhole spine procedure. There is a steep learning curve with the new surgical equipment and techniques required.