Almaty hospital pioneers endoscopic spinal surgery for faster recoveries

Almaty Central City Clinical Hospital has begun using advanced endoscopic techniques for spinal surgeries. The new approach aims to improve treatment for degenerative diseases while reducing recovery times. Officials hope this will expand access to high-tech medical care across the region. The hospital introduced the modern method after a master class led by foreign specialists. Marat Pashimov, head of Almaty’s Public Health Department, attended the session alongside local doctors. Four patients with conditions like herniated discs underwent endoscopic procedures during the training.

The technology allows surgeons to operate through tiny incisions. This minimises tissue damage, cuts postoperative pain, and shortens hospital stays. Patients treated in the master class reported rapid pain relief and regained mobility soon after surgery.

Currently, Kazakhstan performs between 3,000 and 5,000 spinal operations each year. However, only 7–9% of these use endoscopic techniques. Chinese neurosurgeons Su Guo and Shahik are now assisting Kazakhstani specialists to build expertise in the field. The adoption of endoscopic spinal surgery in Almaty marks a step toward modernising neurosurgical care. With fewer than one in ten procedures currently using this method, wider training could increase its availability. The hospital expects the approach to benefit more patients by reducing complications and speeding up recoveries.