Spine Surgery in India

The term "Spine Surgery" describes medical procedures carried out on the spine, which serves as the main skeletal system support structure. These procedures are intended to address a range of ailments and problems involving the spine, the tissues surrounding it, and the nervous system. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the following are the conditions that can be considered for surgical treatment:

1. Herniated or ruptured discs: one or more of the disks that cushion the bones of the spine are damaged
2. Spinal stenosis: narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
3. Spondylolisthesis: one or more bones in the spine slip out of place
4. Vertebral fractures: fractures caused by osteoporosis or injury to the bones in the spine
5. Degenerative disk disease: damage to spinal disks as the person gets older
6. Equina syndrome: rare back pain is caused by a tumour, an infection, or a nerve root problem called cauda

Its crucial to keep in mind that spine surgery is normally only considered after non-surgical options like physical therapy, medication, and injections have been investigated and found to be ineffective in alleviating symptoms.

Spinal Surgery creates a complex scenario for patients when selecting between Orthopedic Surgeons and Neurosurgeons. The quick answer is that both types of surgeons have expertise to treat the patient. However, the deciding factor for optimal results lies in the qualifications and training levels of the specialists.

All types of Spine Surgery come with different levels of risk when addressing spinal disorders. Before the surgical procedure, a comprehensive assessment of the patients overall health, medical background, physical examination, neurological findings from imaging tests like X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, PET (positron emission tomography) scan, and other diagnostic evaluations is conducted. This evaluation empowers medical professionals to take preemptive measures to minimize the potential risks associated with the surgery. The preoperative assessment guides the medical team in providing the appropriate:

• Anesthesia
• Preoperative medical interventions
• Intraoperative monitoring
• Postoperative pain relief and aftercare

The choice of a Spine Surgeon may involve selecting a traditional open surgery approach, where an incision is made along the spine. In this method, the surgeon moves muscles and soft tissues aside to access the spinal bones and cord.

Alternatively, minimally invasive techniques employ a smaller incision and a tube through which the surgeon introduces tiny surgical instruments to work on the spine. These techniques might potentially lead to quicker recovery times and a decreased risk of complications.

Robotic Spine procedures utilize GPS-like tracking systems to aid the surgeon in precisely positioning screws and other components during the repair of a damaged or misshapen spine.

Its important to note that the actual risk and occurrence of complications depend on the type of surgery, the patient's overall health, the surgeon's skill, and other individual factors. Potential complications of spine surgery can include:

• Recurrent or continuing symptoms: It can be caused by weakened spine, another slipped disc, the formation of new bone or thickened ligament, or scarring around the nerves
• Infection: It can occur at the site of incision
• Blood clots: To prevent blood clots and associated deep brain thrombosis, it is very important to stay active after surgery
• Dural tear: A tearing of protective covering around spinal cord and nerve may occur during surgery. This may cause leakage of cerebrospinal fluid
• Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid: A damage to nerve lining may cause such events
• Facial sores and loss of vision: This may happen due to improper positioning of the patient during surgery
• Nerve injury and paralysis: It may happen due to nerve, blood vessel, or spinal cord damage during surgery

The recuperation period following a discectomy is generally rapid. Following a diskectomy or foraminotomy, you might still encounter sensations of pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve's path that was previously compressed. However, these symptoms should improve within a few weeks.

In contrast, recovery after a laminectomy and fusion surgery takes longer. The return to regular activities won't be as swift. It typically requires a minimum of 3 to 4 months for the bones to heal properly after surgery, and this healing process might extend for up to a year.

For individuals who have undergone spinal fusion, the expected time off work is around 4 to 6 weeks if they are young, in good health, and have a relatively non-strenuous job. However, it could take 4 to 6 months for older individuals who have undergone more extensive surgery to resume work.

Nonetheless, the duration of recovery is also influenced by the severity of your condition before the surgery. If you encounter unusual symptoms, it's advisable to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Your bandages or tape may come off within 7 to 10 days. If they don't, and your surgeon approves, you can remove them yourself. You might experience numbness or pain around the incision area, and there might be slight redness. Regularly assess it to determine if the incision is becoming more red, swollen, warm, draining, or showing signs of opening up.

Most patients recover successfully from spine surgery, but it takes time. Some may experience short-term or long-term challenges. The issues you may face are determined by the type and the severity of spinal disorders. Problems could include:

• Pain
• Loss of spinal flexibility
• Decreased range of motion

Depending on the nature of your concerns, you may receive assistance and support from a variety of healthcare specialists.

Researchers indicate that over 50% of primary spine surgeries achieve a positive outcome. Subsequent surgeries, however, display success rates of 30%, 15%, and 5% for the second, third, and fourth surgeries, respectively, following the primary spine surgery. However, the success rate of spine surgeries varies greatly depending on the procedure type, the underlying medical problem being treated, the patient's general health, the surgical team's ability, and the patient's compliance with after care recommendations.

The cost of spine surgery in India is often a small fraction of what it would be in the United States of America, United Kingdom, Singapore, and other affluent nations. In developed countries, the expense of these therapies is frequently twice as high as it is in India. Many foreign patients are travelling to India for treatment because of the country's affordable brain tumor treatment options. In India, a complete spinal disorder treatment might cost anywhere between ₹ 2,50,000-4,00,000. However, it may vary depending upon factors like location and severity of disease.

The type and severity of the Spinal Disorders, the location of the hospital or clinic, and the surgeon's experience are a few of the variables that can affect the cost of Spine Surgery. These are:

• Pre-surgery costs including diagnostic cost
• Surgery cost that includes fees of the surgeon, anaesthesia, hospital room charges, and medications.
• Post-surgery costs including rehabilitation, medications, and follow-up appointments
• Availability of specialized facilities and equipment

Because of this, the cost of Spine Surgery might vary greatly depending on the patients circumstances and the hospital or clinic they select. You can get an idea from a rough cost split.

The cost of diagnostics for spine surgery may include various preoperative evaluations and tests that are typically conducted before the surgical procedure. These additional expenses can include diagnostic testing including CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and biopsies. These tests can cost anything between INR 40,000 and INR 50,000.

MedFlick, your trusted healthcare companion, is dedicated to ensuring that your medical journey goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.

• Individualized Guidance: Personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a broad network of prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: A full breakdown of treatment costs that eliminates surprises and offers you cost-effective solutions.
• MedFlick provides everything from travel arrangements to hotel and visa help to lodging.
• Multilingual Support: Breaking down language barriers to allow patients and medical professionals to communicate more effectively.
• The road to a successful spinal disorders treatment like spine surgery is long and winding, full of hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. With MedFlick as your guide, navigating this life-changing adventure becomes simple and liberating.