With over a decade of experience in spinal surgery, Dr. Marcus Ling specialises in providing lasting relief for patients with chronic back pain, spinal instability or deformities.
He is highly experienced in performing minimally invasive spinal surgeries, a technique proven to significantly shorten recovery times.
Dr. Ling tailors each treatment plan to address your specific needs and conditions, helping you achieve the best possible outcomes with minimal disruption to your daily lives.
If your condition requires urgent attention please call 62652388 to arrange a consultation. You will receive professional advice on:
Minimally invasive spinal surgery, also known as “keyhole surgery”, is a new technique of performing spinal surgery which utilises smaller incisions. This reduces intraoperative blood loss and collateral soft tissue damage significantly, hence allowing patients to recover faster postoperatively.
Minimally invasive spinal surgery became widely adopted with the introduction of microscope and tubular retractor.
Surgeons can see the spinal cord with greater clarity and perform spinal surgery with greater precision. The tubular retractor also allows surgeons to tackle the pathology directly without the need for extensive surgical incisions.
With the introduction of the endoscope in recent years, spinal surgery can now be performed with an even smaller incision.
Depending on the severity of your condition, the surgeon will decide whether to use the microscope or the endoscope to best suit your needs.
Technological advancements and surgical training have allowed majority of spinal conditions to be addressed in a minimally invasive manner, ranging from a simple microdiscectomy surgery (removal of slipped disc) (top image) to multilevel lumbar fusion surgery (bottom image).
In certain cases, patients need not even undergo general anaesthesia to have his/her lumbar fusion surgery performed. This translates to a shorter recovery and a quicker return to work for patients.
Conventional Technique: Spine fusion surgery typically requires general anesthesia, meaning the patient is fully asleep during the procedure.
Minimally Invasive Technique: This minimally invasive technique can be performed without the patient being under general anaesthesia. Moderate sedation with local anaesthesia will suffice in such cases.
Conventional Spine Fusion: A larger incision is made, allowing the surgeon to access the spine directly. Depending on the specific condition, the surgeon may remove parts of the damaged disc, use bone grafts, and insert metal implants to stabilise the spine.
Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion: Dr. Marcus Ling uses endoscopic techniques, where smaller incisions and a camera are used to guide the procedure. This technique reduces tissue damage and allows for a quicker surgery with less post-operative pain.
Conventional Spine Fusion: This procedure typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and number of levels being treated.
Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion: Dr. Marcus’s endoscopic technique generally takes less time than the traditional method, typically under 2 hours, due to the smaller incisions and precision of the minimally invasive approach.
As with any surgery, spinal surgery comes with both potential risks and benefits.
Conventional Spine Fusion:
Recovery time can vary but typically requires a hospital stay of 2 to 4 days. Full recovery may take 3 to 6 months, with physical therapy often recommended to aid in regaining strength and flexibility.
Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion:
The recovery time is shorter. Most patients can be discharged within 23 hours after surgery, and many can return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Full recovery may still take several months, but patients often experience less pain and a quicker return to normal daily activities.
The cost of spine surgery in Singapore typically ranges from $15,000 to $18,000 for the surgeon’s fee. This does not include hospital fees, which can vary depending on the facility and the length of stay. The total cost may also differ based on the complexity of the case. It’s important to consult with your surgeon for a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs.
We work closely with trusted insurance partners to make your treatment seamless. Contact us, and we’ll guide you through the process at every step of the way.
Dr. Marcus Ling is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a special focus on minimally invasive and motion-preserving spinal surgery. A dedicated clinician and educator, he has led advancements in spinal care while mentoring future surgeons. Known for his compassionate approach, he prioritises patient well-being, ensuring expert, personalised treatment for every individual. Dr. Ling is also one of the few surgeons that can perform awake spinal fusion without the need for general anaesthesia. This approach minimises downtime, allowing patients to be discharged within 24 hours of surgery when possible.
Reach out to our team today to explore your orthopaedic options, schedule an appointment, and start your journey towards enhanced health and mobility.
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