Spine Surgery

A detailed medical history of the patient will be asked for and every minute detail will be recorded by the doctor. Besides, if the patient is on any medication currently the same should be informed, and allergic reaction or side effects to a particular medication should also be mentioned clearly. Further, if the patient is consuming any dietary supplements or consumes tobacco and alcohol, it should be informed before the procedure.

A list of tests shall be carried out such as:

• Blood
• Urinary
• Metabolic
• Pregnancy
• Pulmonary
• Cardiovascular
• Medications (To check the level of existing medication in the patient’s body)

Besides, following shall be asked to consider before the procedure:

• Blood Loss: Possibility of blood is there in this procedure.
• Stop smoking or use of any tobacco.
• Consent of the patient will be required for this procedure. Please read the form carefully before signing and ensure to ask every minute question that comes to mind.

Further, make sure to arrange proper transportation, keep a reliable person who can stand besides the patient throughout the procedure to assist carefully whenever required, arrange all sorts of groceries for at least ten days, listen vigilantly and strictly adhere to the instruction of the physician.

In a traditional, open surgery, the surgeon follows the below-mentioned method:

• A long incision of 5 to 6 inches is made at the site of the problem.
• The surgical tool is then used to move the muscles to the side so that spine is clearly visible.
• As the spine is now clearly visible, the surgeon easily operates the problem area and removes the damaged/diseased bone or intervertebral discs.
• The surgeon, in order to promote healing and stabilize the spinal bones, may then place screws, cages, and any required bone graft material.

• Post-operative pain after the traditional spine surgery might test the patient’s tolerance.
• The patient may expect discomfort; however advanced pain control techniques shall be used to relieve the patient’s pain.
• The discharge completely depends on the patient’s condition and the type of procedure performed.
• Physical therapy will be recommended by the doctor for the speedy recovery of the patient. This again depends on the patient’s physical condition and the type of procedure undergone.
• If a fusion procedure has been performed, it may take several months before the patient’s bone is solid, although the comfort level gradually improves and faster than expected.
• During the time of healing after the fusion procedure, the patient is expected to keep the fused spine in proper alignment. The patient is taught how to reposition, stand, sit, walk and move properly.
• The patient’s physician shall evaluate if the progress is going in the right direction and that the surgery results are exactly as expected. However, the time that will be required by the patient to return to the daily activities after a spine surgery completely depends upon the individual procedure undergone and the physical condition after the procedure.

Among the major drawbacks of open surgery, one of them is the damage of soft tissue due to the pulling or "retraction" of the muscle during the procedure. This also shows greater risk of muscle injury, a different kind of back pain and an increase in the recovery period.

To specify in points, following can be considered as the potential risks of the above-mentioned procedure:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Pain at the site of graft
• Nerve damage (comparatively very rare)
• Recurrence of original symptoms before surgery
• Pseudarthrosis: Pseudarthrosis is a condition where the bone formation in not enough and it likely promotes a second surgery for stronger fusion. Patients involved in smoking are more likely to face the problem of pseudarthrosis.

Relihealth believes in a holistic approach and therefore supports the patient through their entire medical journey in India. We are associated to a pool of state-of-the-art facility hospitals and best medical professionals, equipped with high-end technology to provide multi-disciplinary care for management of brain and spine disorders. We arrange quality treatment for some of the most complex neurological diseases, which makes us a preferred choice in India Backed by a team of highly experienced neurologists, intervention neurosurgeons and spine surgeons, we are dedicated to facilitate complete neurological care at an economical cost.