An Atypical Spine Case: HIC Offers New Hope to Young Patient Through Minimally Invasive Surgery

• After receiving a painful diagnosis of a herniated disc, Carlos Molano traveled from Panama to the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC), where he found relief through a minimally invasive procedure rarely performed on young patients.
• The intervention, known as endoscopic spine surgery, allowed him to return home quickly and resume his daily activities pain-free within days.
• Over the past year, HIC has treated 144 patients requiring spinal surgery; 40 of those cases were due to herniated disc diagnoses.

Bucaramanga, Colombia, June 2025. For Carlos Molano, simple tasks like brushing his teeth, bathing, and even walking had become agonizing. For nearly two decades, this 39-year-old Panamanian had endured a persistent battle with debilitating lower back pain. What began as a minor sports injury at age 18—diagnosed as lumbago—progressed into a chronic condition caused by herniated discs (L4 and L5 vertebrae), in which part of the disc protrudes and compresses nearby nerves, leading to severe pain. His daily life had become a constant struggle against worsening symptoms, requiring increasingly frequent injections.

"My condition had become critical. The pain made it impossible to perform basic activities like going to the bathroom. Everyday tasks kept getting harder, and I needed help as soon as possible," recalls Carlos, who went from experiencing pain every two years to suffering flare-ups every 15 days—a decline that left him spending more time lying down or sitting than standing.

Despite seeking treatment from various medical institutions in Panama, he only experienced temporary relief. His condition continued to deteriorate until surgery became the only option to regain quality of life and move freely again. However, this type of procedure is not commonly performed in young patients. In fact, although herniated discs are among the leading causes of lower back pain and sciatica, they primarily affect people between the ages of 40 and 50. Still, Carlos's condition required prompt attention.

Regarding such cases, Dr. Ludwing Badillo, neurosurgeon at HIC, explains: "Surgery is generally avoided because most lumbar herniations can resolve on their own, and patients improve without surgery. However, for others, the pain is persistent and becomes increasingly disruptive to their daily lives."

Despite his age and the usual caution surrounding spinal surgery in younger patients, Carlos's worsening condition led doctors to consider a lumbar fusion (arthrodesis)—a major procedure involving screws and rods and a lengthy recovery. Concerned about the complexity and risks, Carlos sought a less invasive alternative. Through his insurance, he discovered the possibility of endoscopic spine surgery at the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC). Encouraged by the positive feedback about the hospital, and the availability of direct flights from Panama to Bucaramanga, he and his mother, Dulce Valera, didn't hesitate to travel for the procedure.

Dr. Badillo, along with Dr. Diego Muñoz, evaluated Carlos's case and admitted him for surgery.

"He's a young patient who had been suffering from radiating lower back pain for over 10 years. In these cases, we always try to avoid aggressive procedures like spinal fusion, which can be more painful and unnecessary. Younger patients usually have healthy spinal anatomy and can recover fully without needing more invasive surgery," explains Dr. Badillo.

The Procedure

Carlos underwent endoscopic spine surgery at HIC, a minimally invasive procedure that accesses the herniated disc through a small camera, removing the disc material without fusing the vertebrae. "The incision for the camera is less than two centimeters, which minimizes tissue damage. This leads to a faster recovery and significantly less postoperative pain compared to the lumbar fusion originally proposed," notes the neurosurgeon.

In the past year, the Hospital Internacional de Colombia has treated 144 patients who required spine surgery; 40 of these cases were related to herniated discs.

Just days after surgery, Carlos confirmed the transformation. "I feel completely different than when I arrived. I can bathe on my own, walk on my own, and I'm not taking any medication or feeling any pain. The doctor told me I'll be able to return to my normal life in just 15 more days," he says joyfully.

A Joyful Return Home

Carlos's experience in Colombia extended beyond the successful surgery. His mother, Dulce Valera, expressed immense gratitude and trust in HIC's medical team.

"We felt even better than at home many times. My son is leaving as a new man; I feel like I have him back," she says, relieved to have found a less invasive solution than the major surgery they had initially been offered.

After spending several weeks in Bucaramanga, Carlos praised the care he received from HIC's international team and the hospital's infrastructure. "My impression of the city is 20 out of 20. The people are kind; the hospital staff is highly trained. From day one to my discharge, I received complete support during every stage, and I'm going home healthy," says the patient. He even received postoperative physical therapy sessions at his hotel, a service he described as crucial to his swift recovery—especially as an out-of-town patient.

It's important to note that the Hospital Internacional de Colombia has an international office that supports and guides patients from abroad throughout the entire care process. Additionally, the hospital's geographic setting provides an ideal environment that fosters a faster and more harmonious recovery.