Patient travels from Iraq to Spire Yale Hospital in Wrexham, North Wales to see top spinal consultant

Habeeb Sarsam left his hometown in Iraq to make the 12-hour flight to Spire Yale Hospital in Wrexham, seeking much-needed endoscopic spinal surgery under the expertise of Consultant Spinal Surgeon Mr Narendra Rath.

For months, Habeeb endured excruciating pain and numbness, with tingling sensations radiating down his left leg. The debilitating pain made it increasingly difficult for him to walk any significant distance, ultimately altering his gait and leading to a misalignment of his spine.

A passionate football enthusiast and a regular swimmer, Habeeb found himself disheartened as his condition forced him to abandon the activities he once loved.

A turning point came when his cousin, a retired neurosurgeon residing in the UK, recommended the highly regarded Mr Rath.  Following a comprehensive evaluation and a series of diagnostic scans, Habeeb was diagnosed with lumbar stenosis; a condition that causes the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of the back.

As a self-paying patient, Habeeb was able to cover the cost of his treatment using the savings he had accumulated over the years.

Mr Rath proposed endoscopic (keyhole) lumbar decompression, surgery designed to relieve pressure on the nerve and alleviate sciatic pain, this was performed using a specialised high-definition camera and precision equipment, through an incision no bigger than 1cm wide, allowing early recovery and rehabilitation.

Now on the mend, Habeeb is following Mr Raths advice and taking things slowly. He engages in regular exercise including uphill walks to build his strength and is pleased to report that he is currently 95% pain free.

Expressing his gratitude, Habeeb said, “I am incredibly thankful to Mr. Rath. The operation went smoothly with no complications, and we are amazed at how small the incision from the endoscopic procedure is; you can hardly see it. Mr. Rath has been exceptionally caring and kind, he’s obviously a very skilled spinal surgeon."

With renewed hope, Habeeb is eager to reclaim his active lifestyle and return to the sports he loves.

Mr Narendra Kumar Rath Consultant Spinal Surgeon at Spire Yale hospital said, “I would like to thank Habeeb for showing trust in us as a team and traveling all the way from Iraq for his treatment. It has been an incredible journey for him, from not being able to walk long distances and enjoy life with disabling pain, to now flying back home pain free following the keyhole surgery. It was a pleasure to be a part of his journey and been able to bring positive change to improve his quality of life.

Endoscopic spinal surgery a minimally invasive technique has revolutionised the way we treat patients and promotes early recovery and return to normal life.

I wish him all the best for his future and thank Spire Yale team for the excellent care provided."

Consultant Spinal Surgeon Mr Narendra Rath and his patient Habeeb Sarsam