A patient regained the ability to walk after undergoing a first-of-its-kind microscopic spinal surgery at Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital in Qatar.

A 56-year-old patient has regained the ability to walk after undergoing a pioneering microscopic spinal surgery at Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiya Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) announced on Tuesday.

The procedure, used to treat spinal stenosis, marks the first time the highly complex surgery has been performed at the hospital. Previously, such operations were limited to Hamad General Hospital due to the need for specialised expertise and equipment.

Orthopaedic specialists used a C-arm imaging device alongside a surgical microscope to guide the procedure, allowing for precise identification of affected vertebrae and relief of pressure on the nerves without large incisions or compromising spinal stability.

This minimally invasive approach helps reduce surgical risks and speeds up recovery time.

Within days of the operation, the patient began gradually regaining the ability to walk, with significant improvements in pain and leg function. She is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme aimed at strengthening back muscles and improving spinal stability.

The successful surgery is expected to pave the way for more advanced procedures at Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital, while also helping to reduce waiting times and improve access to specialised care for residents in northern regions.

The hospital’s orthopaedics department, which opened last year, is equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies and staffed by a team of specialised surgeons and consultants.