In connection with the introduction of a new methodology for Spine Surgery at UMHAT “St. Marina"-Varna, Prof. Dr. Gianluca Maestretti is paying a visit to the Clinic of Orthopaedics and Traumatology for training and demonstration surgeries. The specialist is a prominent expert in Spine Surgery in Europe, he heads the Orthopaedic Clinic at Fribourg Hospital (Switzerland) and is currently in Varna to share his expertise with the team of the Varna Orthopaedic Clinic, postgraduate and undergraduate students at MU-Varna.
“Our guest is extremely well-known and popular among spine orthopaedists and surgeons in Europe and around the world. We are greatly honoured to have him here with us, to be able to perform two surgeries and master the technique that he is going to teach us," emphasised Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov, DSc-Rector of MU-Varna and Head of the Clinic of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at Varna University Hospital. Prof. Raykov specified that the specialist from Switzerland was conducting training lectures for the team of the Clinic, after which he would also mentor spine stabilisation surgeries.
According to the specialists, the new principles of work in Spine Surgery are not only a European but also a global trend, in which this organ is treated and operated on applying a multidisciplinary approach. “Spine Surgery is developing very rapidly these days because patients need to live in comfort and without pain. Very often, complaints can be solved applying new surgical methods that are extremely patient-friendly," explained Prof. Raykov. He added that the series of training courses that had begun at the Clinic of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at UMHAT “St. Marina" were aimed at getting orthopaedists more involved in Spine Surgery and keeping them up to date with the latest European methods.
“I am impressed by Prof. Raikov's team and their zeal to look into the future with a view to educating and training, especially in the field of Orthopaedics and the spine," underscored Prof.
Maestretti. He stressed that education in the fields of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery and the collaboration between the professionals from both fields was of utmost importance to him. “I come from Switzerland. In our country, we integrate the work of neurosurgeons and orthopaedists in Spine Surgery. The multidisciplinary approach is the future, as is in the creation of a team that also incorporates rheumatologists, neuroradiologists, and pain specialists," added the specialist.
Prof. Maestretti demonstrated spine stabilisation in a patient with arthrosis and severe pain in the affected area. In order to avoid complications, a minimally invasive technique was applied during the procedure, which is sparing to the tissues and will allow the patient to recover much faster compared to open surgery.
