World's First 4-level Mobi-C surgery: Dr Phong Dam Hieu, January 23, 2007

[tmont]

Hi fellow cervies,

I sit here typing next to the world's first 4-level Mobi-C recipient.

Two weeks ago Dr Phong Dam-Hieu, the neurosurgeon I've talked about and work for--and who did my own ACDF in 2003--performed this groundbreaking surgery here in Brest. The recipient is an ADR Support member and will post about the experience upon returning to the U.S.

I've been pretty much absent from the forum the last few weeks as I followed the patient and family through pre-op exams, surgery, and recovery. I had the unbelievable privilege of being present in the OR and taking photos of the five-and-a-half hour procedure, parts of which were also filmed. We hope to use these images for the benefit of the patient community. More on that soon!

The patient's words, 2 weeks and and 2 days out: "I continue to be amazed by the total lack of any iatrogenic artifacts and my complete mobility and improved ROM. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been operated on and treated by such a brilliant and caring upholder of the Hippocratic Oath. I look forward to posting a complete narrative in the near future."

It's been a wild ride, but one whose unfolding story we hope will present patients with an honest view of the good, the bad, and the ugly potentials of cervical ADR.

More soon from the patient

Trace

[Alastair]

Well done Trace -- -- -- I knew you were up to something, and it was something good and supportive for a member here.
best,
Alastair

[tmont]

Thanks Alastair, but aside from the patient's recovery--of course objective number ONE-- the goal was to give patients on the Board personal contact with a prosthesis still relatively unknown in the US, whereas we've been using it in France since its inception.

Pre-op contact with LDR yielded a complete PowerPoint presentation on the first comprehensive study results from 8 test sites across France, and while we do not yet have the authority to release them, they were impressive. They're coming very soon, and it was important for the patient to be able to study them pre-op.

Another goal was to provide cervical patients another option with a top-notch surgeon, and a cost-effective one. Being a public hospital, the surgeon receives no remuneration beyond his regular salary. Remaining in such a system despite solicitations here and abroad is Dr Dam-Hieu's personal choice, incomprehensible until you've met him face-to-face. The patient will have more to say on that I'm sure.

The last goal was--and is--to tell the 'truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth' on this patient's journey. There are both amazing positive points, and stumbling blocks. Dr Dam-Hieu was up-front about both potential and risk from the beginning, and his only request when telling the story was to do it in complete honesty.

We intend to honor that request, as it the cornerstone for finding the best interest for each patient.

Trace

[Alastair]

Hi Trace,
it's great that this surgery has gone so well, I'm sure we all are most interested for a full report on the world's first 4 level Mobi C surgery. Please keep us updated with the patient's progress and I'm sure ultimately the patient themselves will post here.

It's going to be interesting to see the difference in cost to those of the rest of the worlds surgeons.
Best,
Alastair

[Harrison]

This is surely a milestone for all involved. I look forward to hearing more from the (well-informed!) patient!