Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery in India

What is the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery Cost in India?

The estimated cost of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery in India usually starts $5000 however, it may go up to as much as $10,000. it depends on the hospital charges and the fee charged by the surgeon. This price usually does not cover the post-operational physiotherapy program. Additional costs also involve the diagnostics before the surgery and pre-operational consultations.

What is ACDF Surgery?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgery procedure to relieve pressure from the nerve roots or backbone. ACDF surgery is a very common procedure relative to overall spine surgeries and has a long and studied record of positive outcomes. An ACDF surgery consists of removal herniated or degenerative and then growing bone between the spinal cord above and below. ACDF surgery may be an option if physical therapy or medications fail to relieve your neck or arm pain caused by pinched nerves. Patients typically go home the same day. ACDF procedures may be performed with the use of an implant, such as a plate, to provide support until fusion occurs.

Full form of ACDF Surgery ( Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion Surgery

Anterior – The procedure is performed through the front, or anterior, aspect of the body.
Cervical – The mobile spine can be divided into 3 areas: Cervical (the neck area), thoracic (chest area), and lumbar (lower spine). The sacrum makes up the tail bone portion of the spine.
Discectomy – Refers to the removal of the disc, the decompression portion of the procedure.
Fusion – The joining of 2 or more bones in your spine to provide stability.

What to expect after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedure is associated with an 80% to 90% rate of improvement in symptoms of pain radiating down the arms. Potential success is, however, influenced negatively by the length of time the symptoms have been present.

The “fusing” is a natural process.
An anterior approach sometimes provides better access for your surgeon.
This approach to cervical surgery offers a quick recovery.
Patients experience significant relief of pain and other symptoms.

Who is a candidate Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

You may be a candidate for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery if you have:

Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, myelogram) show that you have a herniated or degenerative disc
There are significant weakness in your hand or arm
arm pain worse than neck pain
symptoms that have not improved with physical therapy or medication

When need Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery?

The primary indication for ACDF Surgery is a cervical disc herniation. The goal of the procedure is to relieve
pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots by removing the diseased disc. ACDF may be recommended if

a patient exhibits
Persistent arm pain, numbness or weakness
Spinal cord compression
Severe neck pain

Fact:- No matter what surgical procedure you are getting ready to undergo, there are general guidelines that will help you prepare for your upcoming surgery. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in this joint effort.

Diagnosis before ACDF Surgery

A comprehensive history and physical will be required that will include:

CBC with differential, Full chemistry, ESR, PT/PTT
Urinalysis with
culture
Echo for heart.
EKG
Chest x-ray
CT scan of Spine
MRI Scan of spine

Before ACDF Surgery

Medicare Spots will scheduled appointments for first consultation with your surgeon. blood tests, X-rays, or electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, Ct scan, MRI scan etc
Your surgeon will examine your condition and explain all of your treatment options, including medications, physical therapy, injection and other surgeries such as removal of the diseased disc, fusion, etc.
Tell your Surgeon about medical history and any medications or dietary supplements, herbal etc, that you’re currently taking.
Don’t smoke before the procedure. If possible, try to stop 3-6 months your ADCF surgery, as smoking will impede healing process. This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and electronic or vapor cigarettes.
Don’t drink any alcohol about a week before the procedure.
You will be given instructions and supplies to cleanse the front of your neck, the day prior to your procedure.

Important Reminder:- Ensure that you do not have anything to eat after midnight the night before your surgery.

On the day of the procedure

Bring a all your medical reports, medications and passport with you. When you coming to the hospital for the admission. Medicare Spots Assistant will complete your admission from admission desk.
Then you will be shifted to the General room in the hospital. Nurse will come to your room and will check that you are fit for your procedure.
You will see your surgeon on the room prior to being taken down to theatre. You will be asked to sign a consent form, which details the risks and benefits of the procedure, and you will have an opportunity to ask any further questions you may have at this time.
You will get a ‘mark’ on your back with a pen. Though the site of the operation is obvious, this is still a requirement.

During Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery?

The anaesthetist will also see you on the surgery waiting room prior to the operation, to explain the anaesthetic and to answer your questions.

Just before the procedure starts you will have an intravenous (IV) line started so you can receive fluids and medications to make you relaxed and sleepy. The procedure is performed under.

General anesthesia (you are asleep). Medications will be given through the IV to put you to sleep and a tube is inserted in your throat to supplement your breathing. IV antibiotics are administered and monitors are placed to check your heart beat, blood pressure, and oxygen level. A Foley catheter in your bladder is typically not required.

The procedure typically lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the specifics of the case. This is what to expect once the procedure begins:

Step 1. Surgical Approach

You are positioned on your back (spine) on a specialized, cushioned operating table.
The front of the neck area is cleansed with a special solution to kill the germs on the skin.
A small, horizontal skin incision is made on the side of the neck.
A minimally invasive approach is followed along anatomic planes down to the spine. The limited amount of muscle dissection helps to limit postoperative pain and speed up recovery.

Step 2. Disc removal / Decompression.

The diseased disc and bone spurs are removed so that they no longer exert pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord.

Step 3. Placement of Bone Graft and Instrumentation

Bone graft or a prosthetic cage is inserted into the empty disc space that will allow the vertebrae to fuse together over time.
A thin, titanium plate is applied and secured with specialized bone screws.

Step 4. Closure

A drain is placed and the incision is closed using absorbable sutures (stitches) under the skin.
A small dressing is applied over the incision, a neck brace is placed and you are then taken to the recovery area.

Recovery ACDF Surgery

After anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery you will wake up in the recovery room, where your vital signs will be monitored and your immediate postoperative condition will be carefully observed. Most patients stay in the recovery room between one and three hours after surgery. Once the medical staff feels that you are doing well, you will be returned to your ward in the hospital

Back on the Ward

Once back on the ward, you will be allowed to sit up and out when you are ready. You will be given something to eat when you feel up to it.

The next day, the physios and nurses will indicate when they feel you are ready to sit out, stand and then start walking (if you have an incidental durotomy (see above) you will be expected to stay flat). You may well receive a visit from the pain team to help you control your pain.

Your drain will be removed after a day or two depending on how much it is draining. Your catheter will be removed once you are mobile enough.

Once your pain is under control and the physiotherapists and nurses are happy that you are mobilizing safely and your wound is dry, you will be allowed to go home. This is normally after just 1 or 2 days.

Complications after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion Surgery?

Every surgery presents its own risks and complications, and so it is also with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion Surgery in India. The rate of risks and complications in this surgery vary and depend on a combination of these factors:

The level of success with ACDF surgery
Insufficient symptom relief post-surgery
Bone graft healing does not take place to form a fusion
Temporary or continuous swallowing or dysphasia
Speech disturbances
Spinal fluid leak
Nerve root damage
Damage to the spinal cord
Major blood vessel injury
Damage to the windpipe
Airways being compromised due to hematoma

Frequently asked questions about ACDF Surgery?

Q. How long does it take to recover from Acdf surgery In India?

A. Generally patient need 4 to 6 weeks to complete the starting healing process, but this depends on patient age, health, and other factors. After a follow-up with the surgeon, patient usuelly start physical therapy. the main goal of physio therapy to reduce pain and can restore mobility to the area.

Q. How painful is Acdf surgery In India?

A. Some patients are surprised that the most irritating pain immediately after ACDF surgery. may not be in the neck but rather in the upper back and shoulders (due to the fusion altering the attached muscles’ biomechanics) or in the hip (if bone graft was taken from there)

Q. How long does the ACDF surgery take.

A. Usually ACDF surgery take about 1-3 hours but also ACDF surgery depends on each individual patient’s circumstances and diagnosis. Sometimes patients may need more than one level decompressed and fused.

Q. Will i have any restrictions after ACDF surgery?

A. Patients have restrictions after anterior cervical discectomy fusion surgery to ensure that the soft tissues can heal and so the bone graft fusion eventually heals appropriately as well. Usually, lifting is limited to no more than 10 pounds (roughly what a gallon of milk weighs) for the first two weeks.

Neck range of motion will be limited by a brace that is frequently prescribed in the post-operative period from surgery.

Patients are encouraged to walk around as tolerated for exercise however. If you are undergoing an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery In India, details regarding your post-operative restrictions would be discussed in greater detail in clinic.

Q. Will i Need a brace after ACDF Surgery in India?

A. In most cases your Surgeon will prescribe a brace for you to wear after anterior discectomy and fusion surgery. The style of brace and the length that the patient must wear it depends on the specifics of the surgery and various other factors. Initially the brace should be worn at all times except when showering and when eating meals. This means that it should be worn even during sleep.

Q. What can i take shower after ACDF surgery?

A. Depending on your surgical incision, you may have showering restrictions. Ask your physician for appropriate instructions.

Q. When can start to drive after ACDF Surgery?

A. Most people can start driving when they are off of narcotic pain medications. It is illegal to drive a car while taking narcotics. You must also be able to comfortably maneuver your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal quickly and be able to check your mirrors and blind spots prior to driving. Wearing a brace may preclude safe driving.

Q. Do i need to do physical therapy after ACDF surgery?

A. Walking is your main form of therapy in the immediate post-operative period and is encouraged to avoid deconditioning, blood clots and respiratory complications. You should take several short walks on a daily basis, even if it is just within your home. You can increase the frequency and length of walks as tolerated by your pain and comfort level.

Physical therapy is NOT recommended in the immediate post-operative period. Your need for physical therapy will be determined in future follow-up visits. You may not need any formal physical therapy at all.

#Best ACDF Surgeons in India

Dr Rama Patir
Dr. Sandeep Vaishya
Dr Hitesh Garg
Dr. Arun Saroha
Dr Sk Rajan
Dr. Manoj Sharma
Dr. V. K. Rajoria
Dr. Bipin Walia
Dr. Prakash Singh
Dr. Manoj Miglani
Dr. Harsh Bhargava
Dr. Sachin Kandhari
Dr. Saurabh Verma
Dr. Saurabh Rawall

#Best ACDF Hospitals in India

Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
Manipal Hospitals Dwarka, Delhi
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Gurgaon
IBS Institute of Brain and Spine, New Delhi