Multan: South Punjab has witnessed its first successful endoscopic spine surgery, eliminating the need for patients to travel to Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi for this advanced procedure. The landmark surgery was performed by leading spine surgeon Dr Mahmood Ahmad at Razia Saeed Hospital, who announced the achievement while addressing a press conference.

Dr Mahmood Ahmad said that the world was rapidly adopting modern minimally invasive treatments, and this breakthrough brought the same facilities to people of South Punjab. He added endoscopic spine surgery allows patients to resume mobility within 24 hours, with many able to stand and walk within 12 hours after the operation.

According to him, the operation took almost two hours, and the patient was discharged within a day, walking independently and returning home without support. The procedure, known as Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE), involves two small incisions in the back – one for inserting the camera and the other for surgical instruments – allowing precise removal of the affected disc or diseased area.

He stated this technology is currently unavailable in any government hospital in Punjab, including South Punjab, and is only being performed routinely at Ghurki Hospital Lahore, where more than 150 surgeries have already been completed under the supervision of Prof Amir Aziz and Prof Dr Rizwan Akram, who are also training doctors in this specialized technique.

Dr Mahmood Ahmad said that the new method offers faster recovery, minimal tissue damage, and early return to normal activities. He acknowledged that the procedure is relatively expensive but assured that efforts are being made to provide it in Multan at up to 50 percent lower cost compared to Lahore. He further announced financial support for deserving patients unable to bear expenses.

He clarified this surgery is not suitable for patients with anesthesia-related complications, widespread tumors, or advanced disease, but added that new technology will soon enable performing such procedures under local anesthesia without complete sedation, which he aims to introduce in Multan during 2026.

He emphasized that the objective was to provide world-class treatment at the doorstep of South Punjab residents so that patients and their families are spared the difficulty of traveling to big cities.

On this occasion, a cake-cutting ceremony was also held. Among those present were Prof Dr Khalil Ahmad , former head of Orthopaedic Department Nishtar Hospital; Captain (R) Shehzada Saleem; CSO Umeed Mental Health Services Hafiz Zahid Mahmood; Dr Mah Noor; Muhammad Aqeel Ansari; Muhammad Noman; Muhammad Naeem; and Muazim Bilal.

Dr Mahmood Ahmad expressed hope that the introduction of advanced endoscopic spine surgery in South Punjab would mark a new chapter in modern healthcare for the region.