Malian mother receives lumbar spinal mass surgery at Guangzhou Xinshi Hospital
A 20-year-old with seven months of back and leg pain underwent tumour removal, fixation and bone grafting, with communication supported by software and her husband.
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Guangzhou Xinshi Hospital (Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital) treated a 20-year-old mother of two from Mali for a lumbar spinal canal mass. AMY had experienced recurring back and leg pain for seven months, sometimes making walking, sitting and standing difficult.
MRI identifies a compressive mass
She sought orthopaedic care in September 2026 when the pain became intolerable. Ying Wenkui’s team arranged investigations, including contrast-enhanced lumbar MRI. This showed a mass at L3–L4, suspected to be a schwannoma, and degenerative changes in the lumbar discs.
The mass compressed nearby nerves. The team described a confined operating space close to nerves involved in leg movement and sensation, as well as bladder and bowel function. Ying recommended removal of the mass, relief of compression and spinal stabilisation.
Resection, fixation and grafting
After preoperative assessment and an individual plan, the team performed L3–L4 spinal canal mass resection, pedicle screw fixation and grafting with both the patient’s own bone and artificial bone.
The report states that the mass was completely removed. Fixation and grafting supported spinal stability during subsequent recovery, and postoperative lumbar X-rays showed the internal fixation devices were well positioned.
Communication and gradual rehabilitation
AMY usually communicates in French. Before admission, she worried about language barriers and being away from her children. Staff used translation software and help from her husband, who understood some Chinese. This arrangement supported history-taking, preoperative explanation, postoperative instructions and rehabilitation guidance. Staff repeated explanations and checked her understanding throughout treatment.
During recovery, AMY progressed to getting out of bed and walking with an aid. She was discharged in late September and returned home to her children.
Before discharge, the team reviewed precautions and asked her to attend regular follow-up appointments and increase rehabilitation exercises gradually.