Thomson Medical Centre Completes First Wireless Endoscopic Decompression of Lumbar Spine with Dr Huang Yilun

Thomson Medical is proud to have successfully completed our first-ever wireless endoscopic decompression of lumbar spine at Thomson Medical Centre on 2 January 2025!

Led by Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Huang Yilun, the procedure was performed on a 63-year-old female patient who had long been suffering from the effects of spinal stenosis and an impinged nerve. The condition had reached a point where the persistent back pain and numbness in her leg was affecting her ability to sleep, negatively impacting her lifestyle.

While minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery is a defined standard of treatment, the use of an innovative wireless endoscope offered Dr Huang a greater degree of control with enhanced surgical mobility – critical as the spine is one of the most delicate parts of the body. The lightweight and flexible endoscope camera also meant that there was greater visual clarity. This allowed the procedure, which relieves pressure between the vertebrae of the spine and on the patient’s nerve, to be completed faster, and with a higher degree of precision.

The millimetre-sized entry points of this minimally invasive procedure enable faster recovery, with minimal bleeding and reduced pain. Following the successful procedure, the patient has already experienced a marked improvement in her symptoms and will be continuing her recovery with physiotherapy and regular follow-ups.

As the wireless endoscope system continues to evolve with more refined versions being made available, Dr Huang believes that the devices offer immense potential in the field of endoscopic surgeries. We anticipate significant breakthroughs that will enhance the surgical experience and transform the treatment of spine-related conditions.

With the support of our Thomson Angels in the operating theatre and wards, we are pleased to have been able to further the mission of empowering the life journeys of our patients with our clinical capability and use of innovative medical technology.

About Dr Huang Yilun

Dr Huang Yilun is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Total Orthopaedic Care & Surgery and a visiting consultant at Thomson Specialists Woodleigh. He brings a wealth of experience and innovation to Orthopaedic care at Thomson Medical.

Dr Huang’s extensive training includes degrees and fellowships from prestigious institutions, including the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, and further specialisation in spinal disc replacement in France. His clinical excellence was recognised with the Singapore Quality Service Star award in 2023.

Before joining our team, Dr Huang led the endoscopic spine surgery service at Sengkang General Hospital and continues to contribute significantly to medical education as a Clinical Tutor, adjunct lecturer, and faculty member for international platforms like the Endoscopic Spine Academy.