Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/571000
12 SPINE LEADERSHIP Taking Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery International: What to Expect in the Future By Laura Dyrda T here is tremendous change in minimally inva- sive spine surgery inter- nationally. Surgeons around the world are learning less invasive techniques to treat spinal disor- ders and injuries, and surgeon instructors are learning things from their counterparts overseas. "e surgeons in other countries are talented and see an unbelievable amount of patholo- gy," says Neel Anand, MD, clinical professor of surgery and director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles. "ere is a lot we can learn from them. ey are dealing with a different patient pool; generally, patients in those countries don't complain about back pain so they don't have back pain patients coming into their office. e patients have true instability, deformities and neurologic issues, and the surgeons are treating them with whatever equipment they have. ey don't need the perfect group or technology; it's more about the thought process to achieve the outcomes patients need." Dr. Anand has traveled to several countries, includ- ing China and India, to meet with the local surgeons and instruct them in minimally invasive techniques. ere is a cultural difference for patients in other regions of the world; they are more realistic about spine outcomes and minimally invasive surgery has tremendous appeal. "e volume of patients surgeons are treating in these other countries is huge, and the pathology is vast. ese surgeons' talents are fantastic," says Dr. Anand. "But there are oen cost and regulatory issues for surgeons to obtain the most advanced technology. Each country has its own regulations and can't just import their equipment." Global device companies are seeking out local part- nerships in countries with stiff regulations. Countries like China and India have huge markets and international gatherings are bringing specialists together to educate them about the most advanced technologies out there. "ere is more and more knowledge available, and the companies are becoming increasingly comfortable provid- ing the appropriate educational materials," says Dr. Anand. "ey're also able to keep costs down for those countries so the technology is cheaper there." In the future, increased partnerships in local commu- nities will bring some of the best technologies to remote parts of the world. "An amalgamation and union between local and international companies in some fashion could be internationally beneficial," says Dr. Anand. "e world is becoming a smaller place. We'll see international meetings grow around the world and soon more countries will have the same courses we have. ere will be one big market." n picture here Grand Jury Indicts Troubled Texas Spine Surgeon - 5 Key Notes By Laura Dyrda C hristopher Duntsch, MD, who lost his med- ical license in 2013, was charged with aggravated assault and injury to an elderly person, according to a WFAA report. Here are five things to know: 1. Dr. Duntsch was charged with five counts of aggravated assault and one count of "injury to an elderly person" applied to five patients he performed surgery on who either died or have been "scarred for life," according to the report. 2. There were four patients who suffered nerve injuries, and in one case a surgeon assisting Dr. Duntsch in the operating room allegedly physically restrained Dr. Duntsch during the operation because his actions could lead to paralysis. 3. There was a criminal com- plaint filed against Dr. Duntsch in 2013 with the Dallas Coun- ty district attorney and now a grand jury indicted him on the five aggravated assault counts. 4. Dr. Duntsch is held on $600,000 bond and could spend up to 20 years in prison. 5. The assisting surgeon who al- legedly restrained Dr. Duntsch is also suing Baylor Regional Med- ical Center at Plano, where the procedures were performed. n