We are honored to share an inspiring success story from a recent patient at Excel Neurosurgery & Spine in Aliso Viejo, CA. This patient’s journey highlights the profound impact of modern, minimally invasive surgical techniques combined with the personalized care of our Concierge Medicine approach.
The Challenge: A Pinched Nerve and Chronic Pain
Our patient came to us facing a severely challenging situation: a nerve in his spine had been physically pinched for two months, resulting in significant, persistent pain. This level of nerve compression can severely impact mobility and quality of life.
The Solution: Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
Under the expert care of our specialized neurosurgeons, the patient underwent a complex yet remarkably efficient spinal procedure. The patient described the surgery as “the most difficult spinal surgery next to the lump of nerves,” yet the results speak for themselves.
Our surgical team utilized advanced, minimally invasive techniques, allowing the surgeon to access the complex area with unparalleled precision.
Patient Testimonial: “The photo shows postoperative stitches on my back. Basically, two scratches and a stretched hole with a diameter of 5 mm. Through this hole, a neurosurgeon with the help of a dozen assistants released the blocked nerve, milling the bone from the vertebrae holes, thereby increasing the gap for the nerve.”, Pavel Surguy
This approach involves creating only tiny incisions (as small as $5 \text{ mm}$ in diameter) rather than the large incisions typical of traditional open surgery. Key elements of the procedure included:
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Nerve Decompression: Carefully releasing the severely pinched nerve.
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Bone Milling (Foraminotomy/Laminotomy): Precisely removing small portions of bone from the vertebrae to enlarge the space for the nerve root, ensuring long-term freedom from compression.
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Biological Fusion: The patient noted the use of his own biomaterial mixed with bone shavings to fuse the seam between the vertebrae. This technique helps stabilize the spine, preventing further movement or shifts and encouraging natural bone healing for long-term stability.
Rapid Recovery and Personalized Care
One of the most remarkable aspects of this story is the speed of the patient’s initial recovery, a testament to the benefits of minimally invasive surgery and the dedicated support provided by our team.
Patient Testimonial: “On the second day after surgery I was able to walk with the walker. Normally, the rehabilitation after this surgery takes one or two weeks, but since I had a very difficult situation… it might take longer. In any case, the difference BEFORE and AFTER the surgery is huge!! Trying to walk more.”
While the patient acknowledges that recovery from two months of nerve compression takes time—noting residual pain and burning as the nerves heal—the immediate functional improvement is immense. The process is progressing exactly “according to plan.”
Experience the Excel Difference
This patient’s success story illustrates the core philosophy of Excel Neurosurgery & Spine:
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Surgical Excellence: Delivering complex, high-stakes procedures with cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques that prioritize patient recovery.
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Concierge Medicine: Providing a personalized, high-touch level of care that ensures every patient is monitored closely and receives dedicated support from the moment they walk in until they achieve full recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with chronic back or neck pain, or complex neurological issues, we invite you to experience the life-changing results of world-class expertise combined with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Contact Excel Neurosurgery & Spine in Aliso Viejo, CA, today to schedule a consultation.
What is the primary difference between your approach to chronic spine pain and traditional surgery?
Our approach at Excel Health, led by Dr. Roh, is centered on Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS), which is significantly different from traditional open surgery. The main goal is to achieve the same durable outcome but with less impact on the body. This technique uses smaller incisions, minimizes the disruption of muscle and surrounding tissue, and ultimately promotes a much faster recovery for the patient. We aim to resolve your pain—whether from a herniated disc or stenosis—and get you back to the OC lifestyle with minimal downtime.
Dr. Roh has a unique background as both a surgeon and an inventor/CMO. How does this dual role benefit the patient?
Dr. Roh’s background as a fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon from elite institutions like Hospital for Special Surgery is paired with a rare track record as an inventor and consultant for industry leaders like Stryker and J&J DePuy Synthes. As CMO of Excel Health, he applies this innovative, entrepreneurial lens to every treatment plan. This means his care isn’t just surgically excellent; it’s also rooted in value-based healthcare. He ensures that we are constantly prioritizing the most advanced, precise techniques for durable outcomes and high patient satisfaction, rather than just temporary fixes.
What steps has Excel Health taken to ensure this elite level of care is accessible to more patients?
We believe that settling for less than industry-innovative care is not an option when dealing with chronic pain. To make Dr. Roh’s expertise and cutting-edge Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery accessible, Excel Health is proudly In-Network with Blue Shield of California and Medicare. We encourage patients to take advantage of this by calling (949) 860-1081 to schedule a FREE initial consultation with Dr. Roh today.