Woman regains movement after successful spinal surgery at GPHC

In a remarkable success story, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is celebrating another milestone achievement following a spinal surgery that restored movement to a 30-year-old female patient, who grappled with a challenging thoracic spinal cord tumour.
The breakthrough surgery, executed by the GPHC’s Neurosurgery team, has transformed the life of the patient, who had been under the care of the hospital’s orthopaedic clinic for the past year.
Her medical journey had taken a distressing turn, resulting in paralysis from the waist down, primarily on her right side, due to the invasive tumour.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Neurosurgery team at GPHC made a critical decision to perform surgery. Merely days after the operation, the patient demonstrated a remarkable recovery, regaining control of her legs. She was discharged on Tuesday.

“We are elated to share that the operation was a resounding success, marked by the complete removal of the spinal cord tumour. We are even more happy to share that, the patient experienced an immediate recovery post-surgery. She began moving her legs with an impressive grade 5 power, showcasing the effectiveness of the intervention… Her journey from paralysis to movement stands as a testament to the exceptional skills and dedication of our Neurosurgery team.”
The hospital reiterated its commitment to the public, assuring of its mandate to deliver compassionate and cutting-edge healthcare to the community.
A thoracic spinal cord tumour is a type of tumour that originates within the thoracic region of the spinal cord – located in the upper and mid-back area.
The presence of a tumour in the thoracic spinal cord can lead to compression of the spinal cord, affecting nerve function and causing symptoms such as pain, weakness, sensory changes, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Treatment for thoracic spinal cord tumours often involves surgical intervention to remove or alleviate the pressure on the spinal cord. The specific approach depends on factors such as the type of tumour and its location. (G12)