Nine weeks post-surgery, it is my pleasure to offer a review of my surgical experience with Dr. Biren Desai in Cologne, Germany.

I was diagnosed with three level degenerative disc disease, L3 - S1, and received surgery from Dr. Desai in early September 2024 at the age of 58.  From the beginning, he was very personable and very pleasant to work with.  In the initial surgical consultation it was important to him that I be fully informed regarding the surgery and he was happy to answer all of my questions; and never at any time during the entire process did I ever feel that he was rushed to complete a consultation or examination. I always felt that I had his complete attention when meeting with me.

In the initial consultation, Dr. Desai assured me that he would care for me as his patient, AS IF I WAS HIS OWN BROTHER.  Following the surgical procedure, he met with me daily; examining my incision, changing bandages, answering questions, giving recommendations and limitations as to my activity level as a post operative patient.

I am happy to report that I was discharged from the hospital six days post-surgery, only because Dr. Desai deemed I was ready to be discharged.  There are no higher-ups putting pressure on him to discharge a patient prematurely.  He is in charge.

Following discharge from the hospital, and yes, I felt ready to be discharged, I met with Dr. Desai daily over the next week, as he again changed bandages, monitored my progress, gave guidance and limitations, and of course, answered whatever question or concern that I had. At 14 days post surgery, I was discharged from care and flew back to the U.S. 

Surgical Results:  Since day one of the surgery, I continue to be 100% FREE from any back pain.  Prior to surgery I did not have any nerve damage and had only minor radiculopathy. 

However, had I delayed the surgery, in time these issues would have become major, possibly resulting in not being able to achieve 100% back pain free status.

The three level ADR restored 7/8 of an inch, or, 2.22 cm overall height that I had lost over the years because of the degenerative disc disease. 

Now because of this restored height, in which leg muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves were stretched, I am currently working through what is called distraction pain. 

I am improved overall by about 65% at nine weeks and am actually doing quite well, working within the limitations Dr. Desai has given me. 

My pain score at discharge from care at 14 days was approximately 0 - 5/10 and currently is anywhere from a 0-3/10 daily.  I am walking 2-5 - 3.0 miles / 4 - 5 km, 5 days a week on the treadmill which helps A LOT.

Cosmetically, I am also VERY HAPPY with the results as Dr. Desai was able to remove a great deal of scar tissue from a prior surgery, decades ago while I was in jr high school, causing my stomach to become flatter.

Since the surgery nine weeks ago, Dr. Desai has continued to reach out to me with further guidance regarding my activity level, use of the post surgical back brace, reminders for post surgical x-rays, inquiring about my well being, or simply asking for any questions that I might have.

In summary, I can state without hesitation, that Dr. Desai did in fact care for me AS IF I WAS HIS OWN BROTHER.

I am truly grateful to him for securing my quality of life for many years to come because of the ADR surgery.  I am an avid hiker and alpine backpacker; and because of this successful surgery, I look forward to being FULLY engaged in these strenuous activities for the rest of my life.

And I know that this will be the case, for seven years ago Dr. Desai performed the same ADR surgery for my brother, who is also an avid hiker and alpine backpacker; and he is not limited in the least in these activities because of the ADR surgery.

THANK YOU SO MUCH DR. DESAI !

The preceding statements have been MY experience and I HOPE that it can be yours too!

If at all possible, make the arrangements for the ADR procedure with Dr. Desai, because YOU are WORTH IT!

Please see pics below.

Best To All Of You,

Lance H.

United States

Lance H. war Patient von Dr. med. Biren Desai. September 2024.