Spinal Cord Surgery Treatment India

Types of Spinal Cord Surgery Treatment India

There are some types of spinal cord surgery and each type can be performed in certain situations:

• Decompression surgery
• Epidural stimulation
• Spinal fusion
• Disc replacement
• Spinal tumor surgery
• Kyphoplasty

Decompression Surgery 

This surgical procedure helps in relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It is typically performed for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors. The surgeon removes the structures that are compressing the spinal cord which improves the nerve function and provides symptom relief.

Epidural Stimulation

Epidural stimulation treatment is a surgical procedure which is used for individuals with spinal cord injuries. During this procedure, a spinal cord stimulator device is implanted into the space between the layers of the spinal cord. The stimulator generates electrical impulses and helps to activate the spinal cord and restore or improve lost functions that may have been impaired due to the injury.

Spinal Fusion

In this type of surgery, the spinal column fused together to provide stability to the spinal cord. It is used to correct spinal deformities and disc herniation. After the spinal fusion, the spine becomes stable but allows limited motion.

Disc Replacement

This surgical procedure involves replacing a damaged or degenerated vertebral disc with an artificial implant. It serves as an alternative to spinal fusion, aiming to restore normal motion and function while reducing pain. 

Spinal Tumor Surgery

When the tumors form in the spinal cord, the tumor and some part of healthy tissue is removed. The tumors can also be removed by radiation therapy.

Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty

These minimally invasive procedures address vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis or trauma. Vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra, while kyphoplasty utilizes a balloon-like device to create space before the cement is injected. These procedures stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and also restores the height of vertebra.

Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Surgery Treatment India

The diagnostic process for spinal cord surgery usually involves a detailed assessment and evaluation of the patient. It includes:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.

These diagnostic processes can help in identifying the underlying cause of the spinal problem.

Cost of Spinal Cord Surgery Treatment in India

The cost of spinal cord surgery treatment in India is much less than other developed countries. Indian healthcare professionals offer skillful procedures to their citizens within very low cost possible. However, the cost may vary from individual to individual, hospital to hospital and city to city. It can also vary according to skills of surgeons and complications during proce  x  dure.

Minimum to maximum Cost of spinal cord surgery in India:

Symptoms and Risk factors

Patients usually complain about the following symptoms that can be managed by spinal cord surgery treatment. These are:

• Severe and persistent back pain
• Progressive or severe neck pain
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Radiating pain or numbness that extends into the arms or legs
• Muscle weakness or atrophy
• Loss of sensation in the arms or legs
• Inability to perform daily activities due to spinal pain or neurological symptoms
• Spinal instability or deformities, such as severe scoliosis
• Spinal cord compression due to herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors
• Failed conservative treatments (such as physical therapy, medication, or injections) to eliminate the spinal symptoms.

Indications of Spinal Cord Surgery

Here's a list of conditions that may indicate the need for spinal cord surgery. 

• Herniated Disc
• Spinal Stenosis
• Spinal Tumors
• Spinal Fractures
• Spinal Infections
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Scoliosis
• Spinal Cord Compression
• Spinal Cord Trauma

Risk Factors of Spinal Cord Surgery

Infection

The risk of infection is almost always present in any type of open surgery. The spinal cord surgery also has the risk of developing infection. The use of medications for infection prevention helps minimize this risk.

Bleeding

There is a risk of bleeding during and after the procedure. In some cases, bleeding may occur after closure and the blood transfusion is required.

Nerve or Spinal Cord Damage

There is a risk of injury to nerves in the surrounding or the spinal cord during the procedure. This can lead to weakness, numbness, or even paralysis of the lower legs.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

In some cases, despite surgical intervention, the patient's symptoms may persist or return after a period of relief. This condition is known as failed back surgery syndrome and may require further treatment or revision surgery.

Spinal Fluid Leak

The protective covering around the spinal cord, called the dura, can be inadvertently punctured during surgery, resulting in a spinal fluid leak. This can lead to headaches, infection, or require further intervention to repair

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may have allergic reactions to materials used in the artificial disc or surgical implants.

Failure to find Problem

In some cases, minimally invasive spine surgery procedures may not fully find the underlying spinal condition or may require open spinal surgery in the future.

Blood Clots

Prolonged immobility during and after surgery can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs. Early mobility, and blood-thinning medications are used to prevent the blood clot formation.