Navigating Complex Spinal Surgeries: Insights from Seán Molloy

What is your area of speciality?

I’m a spinal surgeon at The Princess Grace Hospital, and I specialise in complex spinal surgery. My expertise includes treating patients with paediatric and adult scoliosis and kyphosis. I also specialise in revision surgery for adults who have previously had failed spinal surgery. I brought computer navigated surgery and robotics for spinal surgery to the UK and utilise these modalities to improve the outcomes for patients.

What are the differences when treating international patients visiting the UK for their spinal treatment?

Treating international patients presents unique challenges and opportunities. It requires a specialised team, working together to coordinate patient care. We have a wonderful and dedicated team at The Princess Grace Hospital who streamline the care for the patient. Our specialist surgeons (Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical), radiologists, oncologists, physiotherapists, clinical nurse specialists and skilled interpreters ensure clear communication between the patient and our medical staff.

We guarantee access to complex imaging with a fast turnaround for results. Imaging can be arranged before the patient arrives in the UK and consultant appointments coordinated. There is a multi disciplinary approach to patient care and delivery of treatment. 

We often review patient images before they arrive in the UK, which allows us to collaborate with international doctors to get the best possible understanding of the patient's medical history. In turn, this means we have the potential to plan bespoke imaging tests and treatment in advance of their arrival. 

It’s all part of our bespoke set up, which is essential for providing high-quality care to international patients.

Can you share a memorable episode of care when treating international patients?

There have been so many over the years. We have treated numerous patients who have had multiple previous spinal operations but, due to mechanical instability or failed fusion surgery, they’ve needed extensive reconstructive surgery. We have a specialised service at The Princess Grace Hospital which enables us to do revision surgery through the anterior approach. This maximises the potential for these patients to have successful surgery, and has ultimately helped many of them out of wheelchairs, off walking aids and back to walking independently.

What has changed the most over your career that would be of interest to this audience to help distinguish The Princess Grace Hospital from other UK private suppliers of spinal treatment?

The most significant advancement has been in enabling technology, particularly spinal navigation and robotics. 

It’s a development I feel personally very close to. I was the first to introduce navigation technology to the UK and have contributed to the academic literature with several papers on both paediatric and adult navigated surgeries. I also performed the first paediatric scoliosis case in the UK using both navigation and robotic technology. 

These innovations have revolutionised spinal surgery by allowing for greater precision and accuracy of pedicel screw placement and correction of spinal alignment. 

Any last thoughts you would like to share?

I’d like to highlight the work of our incredibly dedicated team at The Princess Grace Hospital. We’ve set up a bespoke spinal service that is able to deal with cases from the simple to the highly complex, while our specialised High Dependency Unit (HTU) and Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) support our complex service, ensuring patients receive excellent care and achieve optimal outcomes.