A herniated disc can cause severe back and leg pain when it places pressure on a spinal nerve. In this patient story, 71-year-old retired bank employee Korkmaz Erol shares his experience with fully closed endoscopic discectomy at Turan & Turan Hospital in Bursa, Turkey, after months of pain, limited mobility, and unsuccessful physical therapy.
Quick Takeaway: Korkmaz chose fully closed endoscopic discectomy after experiencing severe pain and difficulty walking from a herniated disc. Because he has diabetes and was concerned about the larger incision involved in open surgery, he explored a minimally invasive approach using an incision of about 8 millimeters. In the video, he describes walking after surgery, staying one night in the hospital, and returning to driving several days later.
- 0:00 - The Desire for Pain-Free Mobility: Korkmaz's Initial Struggle
- 0:29 - The Onset of Symptoms: Severe Back and Leg Pain
- 0:59 - The Search for Relief: Reaching the Limits of Physical Therapy
- 1:21 - The Turning Point: Concerns About Open Surgery and Diabetes
- 1:33 - Finding a Solution: Consultation with Op. Dr. Yunus Uysal
- 1:42 - The Procedure: Fully Closed Endoscopic Discectomy
- 2:10 - After Surgery: Walking in the Hospital
- 2:38 - Recovery at Home: Driving After Several Days
- 2:46 - Korkmaz's Final Thoughts About His Experience
How a Herniated Disc Affected Korkmaz's Mobility
Korkmaz Erol, a 71-year-old retired bank employee, explains that his herniated disc suddenly ruptured and began causing severe pain. According to his account, the problem quickly affected his ability to stand, walk, and complete everyday activities.
He describes pain beginning in his lower back, moving into his hip, and continuing down his left leg. He also experienced numbness. These symptoms can occur when a herniated disc places pressure on a spinal nerve.
The effect on his mobility became significant. Korkmaz says he could not comfortably stand up to get a glass of water and could not walk the approximately 15-meter distance to his local market. Instead, he relied on his car even for short trips.
What Happened After Physical Therapy Did Not Improve His Symptoms
Before choosing surgery, Korkmaz spent about six months visiting different medical institutions and trying physical therapy. He explains in the video that these efforts did not provide the improvement he was looking for.
One private hospital told him that he had a hernia and a slight disc slippage. After continuing to experience severe pain, numbness, and difficulty walking, he began considering surgical treatment.
When back or leg symptoms continue despite conservative treatment, a spine specialist may recommend further evaluation. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on the patient's diagnosis, imaging results, neurological symptoms, overall health, and response to previous treatments.
Why Korkmaz Was Concerned About Open Spine Surgery
During one consultation, Korkmaz was offered open spine surgery. He says he became concerned because the procedure involved a larger wound and because he has diabetes.
Diabetes can be an important consideration when planning surgery because wound healing, infection risk, blood glucose management, anesthesia, and recovery all need to be evaluated individually. Korkmaz therefore began looking for another surgical approach with a smaller incision.
| Surgical Approach | General Difference in Approach |
|---|---|
| Traditional Open Surgery | Typically involves a larger surgical opening and greater exposure of the affected spinal area. Recovery requirements depend on the exact procedure and the patient's health. |
| Endoscopic Discectomy | Uses an endoscope and specialized instruments through a small incision to access and treat the affected disc area. The suitability of this technique depends on the individual diagnosis. |
Korkmaz's Endoscopic Discectomy at Turan & Turan in Bursa
While researching other options, Korkmaz found the orthopedic department at Turan & Turan Hospital in Bursa, Turkey. He then met orthopedic surgeon Op. Dr. Yunus Uysal and discussed fully closed endoscopic spine surgery.
Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used in selected patients with disc-related nerve compression. During the procedure, an endoscope and specialized instruments are introduced through a small incision to allow the surgeon to reach the affected disc area.
In Korkmaz's case, the incision was described as approximately 8 millimeters. He chose this approach after discussing the procedure with Dr. Uysal and considering his concerns about open surgery and diabetes.
- Small Surgical Access: Endoscopic techniques use a small incision compared with traditional open approaches.
- Direct Visualization: The endoscope allows the surgeon to view the treatment area while using specialized instruments.
- Individual Recovery: Recovery after endoscopic discectomy varies according to the patient's age, health, diagnosis, surgical findings, and post-operative instructions.
Korkmaz's Recovery After Endoscopic Discectomy
Korkmaz describes a noticeable change in his mobility after surgery. His experience is specific to his individual case and should not be interpreted as the expected result for every patient undergoing endoscopic discectomy.
Korkmaz returned to his room after surgery and was visited by Dr. Yunus Uysal.
He says hospital staff helped him walk after the procedure and that he wanted to continue walking.
Korkmaz stayed in the hospital for one night. He says he was discharged the next morning and began driving again approximately four to five days later.
His recovery experience contrasts with the severe mobility limitations he described before surgery. Prior to treatment, he said he could not comfortably walk even a short distance to the market. After the procedure, he reported being able to walk in the hospital and later return to driving.
"I achieved walking... I came with a cane, I'm leaving without a cane."
His Experience With the Turan & Turan Hospital Team
Korkmaz also speaks positively about his experience with the staff at Turan & Turan Hospital. He describes the team as welcoming, supportive, and encouraging throughout his stay.
He specifically mentions the orthopedic department, hospital staff, and Dr. Yunus Uysal when discussing the support and communication he received before and after surgery.
At the end of the video, Korkmaz thanks the team and reflects on the difference between arriving with a cane and leaving without one. This represents his personal experience following treatment and does not guarantee the same result for other patients.
Explore Endoscopic Spine Surgery Options in Turkey
If you are experiencing persistent back pain, leg pain, numbness, or reduced mobility from a spinal condition, a qualified spine specialist can review your diagnosis, imaging, previous treatment, and overall health to determine which treatment options may be appropriate. PlacidWay can help you request information about spine surgery options in Turkey.
Request Spine Treatment InformationClick to view the English-translated video transcript
0:00 - I got tired of the car, I will walk.
0:04 - I want to walk. When I walk, I don't want to suffer.
0:14 - I achieved walking. As my wife said, bless her, she contributed a lot to me. I came with a cane, I'm leaving without a cane.
0:29 - My name is Korkmaz Erol. I am 71 years old. I am a retired bank employee.
0:34 - My herniated disc suddenly ruptured. When I stood up, when I walked, it caused severe pain and intense aching.
0:41 - It was putting pressure on the nerve. I couldn't walk; I couldn't take two steps.
0:46 - I couldn't even stand up to get a glass of water. I fell into that situation.
0:49 - My waist pain hit my hip, the hip hit my left leg. Numbness also started.
0:54 - I started driving and enduring it with difficulty.
0:57 - I couldn't even go to the market 15 meters away. That was upsetting me a lot.
1:00 - For 6 months, there was nowhere I didn't wander or go.
1:05 - I went to a private hospital. They examined me there. 'You have a hernia,' they said, 'there is also a slight disc slippage.'
1:13 - I underwent physical therapy that I hadn't tried before, at various institutions, but unfortunately, I could not reach a result.
1:21 - A private hospital that I love and respect very much said, 'Come, let me do an open surgery on you.'
1:27 - Its wound is larger. I got scared. Because I am a diabetic, I didn't prefer open surgery.
1:33 - In the media, at the orthopedic department of Turan & Turan Hospital...
1:37 - I encountered my esteemed teacher, Yunus. My son and I looked at it, and I said, 'My dear father.'
1:42 - Fully closed endoscopy. A surgery completely tailored for you.
1:46 - After meeting with the doctor, I made a firm decision for this reason. I came to Dr. Yunus.
1:50 - It saves you from pain. I will walk normally like before.
1:54 - More practical. You heal in an 8-10 day period, look. That is the most important thing.
1:58 - I will never forget this hospital. Whether it's the orthopedic department or the departments downstairs...
2:02 - They welcomed me very warmly. It is impossible for me to forget Turan Turan hospital right now.
2:10 - They brought me to my room with the attendant. My doctor Yunus came to me.
2:14 - 'How are you after surgery, are you okay?' He said the surgery went very well, congratulations Uncle Korkmaz.
2:19 - I thanked him. They made me walk. I even wanted to walk a little more.
2:23 - The attendant friend said, 'That's enough Uncle Korkmaz, this is enough.'
2:27 - I achieved walking. I mean, I walked a lot. We stayed for one night.
2:31 - In the morning, Dr. Yunus came. 'How are you Uncle Korkmaz? How is your condition? Shall I discharge you?' he said. I was happy of course. I was discharged.
2:38 - He permitted me to drive a car for about 25 minutes. I went to my house, and after 4-5 days I started driving.
2:46 - It is impossible for me to forget this hospital and your team. They shouldn't be afraid at all, they should come here without waiting.
2:54 - Look, I am 71 years old; they put me to sleep by giving anesthesia and operated on me.
2:59 - In my opinion, others shouldn't be afraid at all. Especially since you gave me great morale, let me say that too.
3:04 - I thank everyone. Bless your hands. That warmth, that smiling face, that sweet tongue, that helpfulness.
3:10 - As my wife said, bless her, she contributed a lot to me. I came with a cane, I'm leaving without a cane.
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