Kolkata: A 60-year-old international patient from Ghana has made a swift recovery following a minimally invasive keyhole spine surgery performed at Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, a unit of the Manipal Hospitals group.
The patient, Yaw Boakey, had earlier undergone a successful kidney transplant at the same hospital and had returned to Kolkata for a routine medical check-up accompanied by his son, James. During the visit, he reported severe lower back pain radiating to both legs and difficulty walking. Doctors diagnosed him with Neurogenic Claudication, a condition caused by compression of spinal nerves that leads to pain and numbness during movement.
Further medical evaluation and MRI scans revealed L4–L5 Spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, along with Spinal Canal Stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that exerts pressure on the nerves in the lower back.
Given the patient’s age and medical history, including his kidney transplant, the case posed significant surgical risks. The spine surgery team, led by Anindya Basu, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead – Spine Surgery, opted for a minimally invasive keyhole spine fusion procedure (TLIF). The approach is designed to minimise blood loss, reduce post-operative pain, and enable quicker recovery, making it particularly suitable for elderly patients or those with multiple health conditions.
The procedure was successfully carried out without the need for blood transfusion. The patient was mobilised the very next day after surgery, started physiotherapy immediately, and was managed with minimal pain medication due to his kidney condition.
Throughout the treatment, he remained under close monitoring by the nephrology team led by Upal Sengupta, Director – Team Nephrology and Consultant – Nephrology & Kidney Transplant, along with Avinandan Banerjee, Clinical Lead – Nephrology & Kidney Transplant.
During his hospital stay from January 27 to February 4, 2026, the patient showed steady improvement and was discharged in stable condition. Within a few days, he was able to walk independently.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Basu said that patients with kidney transplants or chronic kidney disease are often considered high-risk candidates for major surgery. However, advances in minimally invasive spine surgery now allow doctors to safely perform complex procedures even in elderly patients with multiple medical conditions.
The patient’s son James expressed gratitude to the medical team, noting that the coordinated care between the spine surgery and nephrology teams provided confidence throughout the treatment process. He added that seeing his father walk comfortably within a few days of surgery was remarkable and that the family remains in touch with the doctors as his recovery continues.
The case highlights how advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques combined with multidisciplinary care are transforming spine surgery outcomes. It also reinforces the growing reputation of Manipal Hospital Mukundapur as a trusted destination for international patients seeking specialised medical care.
