Gosford Private Hospital neurosurgery breakthrough

A new technique in neurosurgery has been carried out for the first time at Gosford Private Hospital, and it’s for people with a range of chronic back problems.

Gosford Private Hospital neurosurgeon Dr Marc Coughlan has led the way with a new technique which implants artificial spacers into the spine.

A NEW technique in neurosurgery has been carried out for the first time at Gosford Private Hospital.

Neurosurgeon Dr Marc Coughlan, who specialises in invasive spinal procedures, has led the way with a new technique which implants artificial spacers into the spine.

The lateral access surgery involves going through a keyhole in the side of the body and placing an artificial 3D printed spacer or a generic spacer in the space between the vertebrae of the spine.

Dr Coughlan is the first surgeon in Australia to implant artificial spacers into the spine. The technology allows for tailored implants that cater for the unique anatomy of each individual patient.

Gosford Private Hospital neurosurgeon Dr Marc Coughlan has led the way with a new technique which implants artificial spacers into the spine. The procedure is an Australian first

“The 3D implants are fantastic for patients with severe scoliosis where the whole spine is rotated,” Dr Coughlan said.

“The implants sit on the hard outer periphery of the vertebrae, so are also ideal for elderly osteoporotic patients. Using the lateral access technique to place the implants allows multiple levels of the spine to be accessed through the same keyhole, creating minimal disruption and thus very quick recoveries.

Dr Coughlan said Gosford Private Hospital was fortunate to also have a CT navigation system, BodyTom, which can be used throughout the surgery. These ensure the implants are perfectly placed and positioned without the need to use Xray.

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“The use of these procedures has massively reduced the recovery with complex spinal patients, and allows us to operate on more frail osteoporotic patients,” he said.

Dr Coughlan, has been living on the Central Coast and operating at Gosford Private

Hospital since 2005, providing a range of critical services to patients without the need for them to travel to Newcastle or Sydney.

He has helped introduce a number of procedures including minimally invasive lumbar decompression, spinal fusion techniques using lateral and anterior access, and disc replacement surgery to treat chronic lower back pain.

Gosford Private Hospital chief executive officer Matt Kelly said the hospital was proud to be leading the way with innovative Neurosurgical procedures.

“Our team of specialist Neurosurgeons and experienced staff at Gosford Private are second-to-none, providing world class services locally and allowing patients to remain close to home and their family,” he said.