Victoria,
The retroperitoneal approach for lumbar ADR is used by some European surgeons because they don't have to manipulate as many organs. I just assumed that some surgeons used it here also; perhaps not. I've never spoken with anyone about that approach that's actually had it; but have wondered if it eliminates the problem of constipation incurred with an anterior approach. Did Dr Spayde mention if that particular problem was eliminated (no pun intended) by the retroperitoneal approach?
Please keep us posted, and good luck!
Jeff
__________________
C4/5 - ACDF in 2000
C5/6 - ACDF in 2002
C3/4 & C6/7 - M6 ADR, Nov 2009, Barcelona
Conceded defeat to a manifestly disingenuous BCBS-TX in my quest for reimbursement, Jan 2011
|