The Surprising Link between Your Sex Life and Low Back Pain, explained by a Spine Surgeon

Minimally Invasive

Dr. Choll Kim shares his journey from skepticism to advocacy for minimally invasive spine surgery, particularly in treating sexual disorders. He recounts how targeted diagnostic injections revealed the neurological origins of many patients' symptoms, leading to successful surgeries and happier patients. Rena Malik adds that the healthcare system's constraints often hinder extensive patient counseling, which is crucial for these complex cases 1 2.

Many of the patients that have really distressing sexual disorders, they've seen multiple doctors, and they've tried multiple treatments, and they've had this problem getting worse and worse and worse for years.

--- Choll Kim

Kim emphasizes the need for accurate diagnoses to achieve good surgical results, despite the challenges posed by the current healthcare model.

   

Robotic Surgery

The conversation shifts to the adoption of robotic surgery and its rapid integration into medical practice. Malik notes that while robotic surgery has clear benefits for patient recovery and outcomes, the learning curve remains a significant barrier. She encourages surgeons to share their techniques online to help others overcome these challenges 3.

I would encourage any surgeon listening, like, record your surgeries if you're doing something that's working and put it on YouTube.

--- Rena Malik

Kim acknowledges the importance of platforms like YouTube for disseminating surgical knowledge and improving practices.

   

Tarlov Cysts

Kim explains the complexities of diagnosing and treating Tarlov cysts, a condition often neglected by many surgeons. He describes how targeted diagnostic injections can identify symptomatic cysts, leading to successful surgical outcomes. Malik highlights the rarity but severity of complications like urinary dysfunction following spine surgery 4 5.

The Tarlov cyst is probably the most orphan of all disorders because it's very common. For some reason or another, most surgeons don't like doing that surgery.

--- Choll Kim

Kim stresses the importance of early intervention to minimize risks and improve patient quality of life.

   

Surgical Outcomes

The discussion continues with a focus on the outcomes of surgeries for Tarlov cysts and other spine-related issues. Kim shares data on patient improvements following targeted injections and subsequent surgeries, emphasizing the importance of careful patient selection and monitoring. Malik and Kim agree that a thorough diagnostic process is key to achieving positive surgical results 6.

We coach them very carefully to monitor their symptoms so that it's diagnostic. And if it's a positive diagnostic response, then we do surgery.

--- Choll Kim

This meticulous approach helps ensure that patients experience significant relief and improved quality of life.