Mr George Spink 2021-06-02 Person 5 5 0

Mr Spink has been my neurosurgeon for some years and has operated on my cervical spine previously (ACDF), improving pain in various areas of my body. During consultation he fully explains his diagnosis, showing evidence on scans, explains potential improvements from having surgery, explains the risks involved, including clarifying that your pain could be worse afterwards. Mr Spink also gives you ample opportunity to ask questions which he will answer in their entirety. You do not feel rushed at all and are able to weigh up the pros and cons of such intervention and give informed consent to surgery if that is the route you decide upon at this time. This review regards recent extensive lumbar spine surgery, undertaken Hull Royal Infirmary in April 2021. I had a remote consultation with Mr Spink whereby he listened to an explanation of my symptoms, showed me areas of nerve compression, spinal stenosis, and slippage of two vertebrae (Spondylolisthesis) on my MRI scan. He went on to explain that conservative treatments have not been proven to have any effect, what surgeries he would perform, the potential outcomes, risks involved and that I would be operated on quickly to prevent any deterioration. Having been fully informed, I decided to opt for surgery and was operated on within a few days. The next day I was informed that my surgery had been successful and discharged the day after, as I also felt well enough to go home. I was diagnosed with Early Cauda Equina Syndrome. It apparent once at home that most of my symptoms had resolved and some improved. I have had mainly moderate but occasionally severe pain from muscle spasms in my lower back and have not had to rely on additional opioids for pain relief. I wish to thank Mr Spink for his expertise in diagnosing my conditions and swiftly operating to prevent any further deterioration. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone needing a neurosurgeon.