Dr Gee Teak Sheng is a Consultant Neurological & Spine Surgeon at Pantai Hospital Penang, specialising in the assessment and surgical treatment of spinal conditions. His practice has a particular focus on keyhole endoscopic spine surgery and minimally invasive techniques for selected patients with spinal stenosis, slipped discs and nerve compression.
Conditions We Treat
Spinal conditions can cause back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain that travels into the arms or legs. Assessment helps identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Common conditions I assess and treat include:
- Slipped disc (herniated disc): Disc material presses on nearby nerves, potentially causing pain, numbness or weakness.
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve openings that may cause leg pain, numbness or difficulty walking.
- Lumbar disc prolapse and sciatica: Lower back problems that irritate or compress nerves travelling into the leg.
- Cervical spine conditions: Neck disc problems and nerve compression that may cause neck pain, arm symptoms or, in some cases, spinal cord dysfunction.
- Degenerative spinal conditions: Age-related changes affecting discs, joints and other structures of the spine.
Keyhole Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Keyhole endoscopic spine surgery uses a small incision and a specialised camera to allow the surgeon to view and treat selected spinal conditions. The magnified view helps the surgeon work around delicate nerves while addressing the underlying problem.
For suitable patients, this approach may allow less disruption to the surrounding muscles and soft tissues than some conventional open procedures. Whether endoscopic surgery is appropriate depends on the condition, MRI findings, severity of nerve compression and the patient’s overall health.
Not every spinal condition is suitable for keyhole surgery. My approach is to recommend the procedure that best addresses each patient’s problem, which may include non-surgical treatment or another type of surgery when more appropriate.
Learn more about [keyhole endoscopic spine surgery in Penang], including the conditions it may treat, its potential benefits and its limitations.
Spine Surgery Procedures
The recommended procedure depends on the spinal condition, the location and severity of nerve compression, spinal stability and the patient’s symptoms.
Surgical options may include:
- Endoscopic spine surgery: Keyhole techniques for selected cases of disc herniation and spinal stenosis.
- Lumbar decompression: Surgery to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, including selected cases requiring unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression.
- Discectomy: Removal of the portion of a herniated disc that is compressing a nerve.
- Cervical spine surgery: Procedures such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disc replacement when indicated.
- Spinal fusion: Stabilisation of a spinal segment when clinically appropriate.
Not every patient requires surgery. The choice of treatment is based on individual assessment, and the benefits, risks and alternatives should be discussed before proceeding.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
A careful assessment is essential before deciding whether spine surgery is needed. I review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, clinical examination and relevant imaging, including MRI scans where available.
Treatment recommendations are individualised. Depending on the diagnosis, options may include medication, physiotherapy, other non-surgical treatments or surgery.
When surgery is being considered, I explain the proposed procedure, expected benefits, potential risks and reasonable alternatives so that patients can make an informed decision.
Already Have an MRI of Your Spine?
Get a Free Preliminary MRI Review
If you have an MRI of your spine, you may contact our clinic for a free preliminary MRI review.
This can be helpful if you live far from Penang and would like initial guidance before making the journey for a specialist consultation.
A preliminary MRI review does not replace a clinical consultation or provide a definitive diagnosis. Your symptoms, physical examination and imaging findings need to be assessed together to determine the most appropriate treatment. Surgery is recommended only when clinically indicated.
Please contact the clinic through the WhatsApp button below to enquire about the MRI review and how to share your images securely.
Consult a Spine Surgeon in Penang
If you are experiencing persistent back or neck pain, sciatica, numbness, weakness or difficulty walking, a specialist assessment can help clarify the cause and appropriate treatment options.
Dr Gee Teak Sheng is a Consultant Neurological & Spine Surgeon at Pantai Hospital Penang. To arrange a consultation, contact the clinic through WhatsApp.
Location: Third Floor, New Building A, Pantai Hospital Penang, Jalan Tengah, Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.