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Mr Ankur Saxena 2022-11-29 Person 5 5 0

I was referred to Mr Saxena by another surgeon as he was pioneering less invasive surgical options for spinal conditions. I had developed quite severe sciatic pain in my left leg caused by a vertebrae shifting and compressing a nerve. Added to this was a bone growth that was also compressing the nerve. The CT scan, MRI scan and X-Ray showed the channel through which the nerve passed was severely narrowed. The symptoms were pain and reduced movement to the buttock, thigh, lower leg and pain into the foot. The pain was so severe that walking for more than 15 - 20 minutes was not possible. Physiotherapy had been tried along with a steroid injection in the affected area with no improvement. The next course of treatment would have been a 5+ hour operation on my back with screws and rods being used to support my spine. My surgeon at the time went to a spinal surgical meeting, where my case was discussed, with a view to arranging the surgery. Whilst there he also discussed my case with Mr Saxena who agreed to take my case on. Right from the outset I felt totally confident with Mr Saxena, he was very pleasant to deal with and listened closely to my symptoms. He explained that he may be able to help and the process he would use would be much less invasive. He then ordered more scans and arranged a second appointment. At the second appointment we discussed the findings from the scans where he showed me the narrowing of the nerve channel and explained why it was causing the problems. Mr Saxena went on to explian, in detail and very clearly, how he may be able to help my condition without the need for for major surgery. By using an endoscopic procedure he could remove the bone growth and open the nerve channel therby relieving the pressure and the associated pain. He went on to explain in detail the inherent risks involved in the procedure and he went to great lengths to ensure I understood these and the fact that this was not a guaranteed cure. Bearing all this in mind I decided to proceed with the endoscopic technique as the major surgical option would still be available. The operation was scheduled and went ahead as arranged. I saw Mr Saxena prior to the surgry where he again went over the procedure, the risks and the possible outcomes. I was surprised how good the experience was, I had no noticable post operative pain or discomfort and I was discharged home with self care advice the next day. Following surgery I noticed an improvement almost immediately and that improvement continued over the coming days. It is now 4 months since my surgery and my sciatic symptoms have gone completely. I am able to walk and use stairs without issue. I would highly recommend Mr Saxena to anyone with a back issue. He is very pleasant and easy to speak to. He explains clearly what is wrong, how he can help, the risks and possible pitfalls and he is honest about the possible outcome.