By Zayed Alzyoud
The Jordan University Hospital (JUH) has introduced the use of spinal (intrathecal) anesthesia in complex spine surgeries, marking a significant advancement in surgical care, as this type of anesthesia is traditionally reserved for simpler and shorter procedures.
The approach was successfully applied to a 60-year-old patient with poor cardiac function, respiratory difficulties, and morbid obesity, conditions that made general anesthesia particularly high-risk.
Director of the Neurosurgery Department at JUH Dr. Tareq Kanaan explained that the patient underwent successful lumbar canal decompression, was able to walk shortly after the anesthesia wore off, and was discharged the next day in good condition.
Consultant Anesthesiologist at JUH Dr. Ahmed Shahin noted that while spinal anesthesia is a well-established technique, its application in spine surgery requires exceptional coordination between the anesthesia, intensive care, and surgical teams. He emphasized that this method demands careful patient selection and thorough postoperative monitoring, as some anesthetic effects can temporarily resemble postoperative surgical symptoms.
Shahin added that the patient remained awake during the operation, noting that light sedation may be used when necessary to enhance patient comfort.
This initiative aligns with JUH’s implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, reflecting its continued commitment to patient safety, clinical innovation, and excellence in healthcare delivery.