Many potential patients for surgery are a concern to Know about Spinal Fusion Surgery surgery cost In India? The Average cost of Spinal Fusion Surgery In India usually starts $5500 however, it may go up to as much as $12,000. it depends on the hospital charges and the fee charged by the surgeon. This price usually does not cover the post-operational therapy and medicine. Additional costs also involve the diagnostics before the surgery and pre-operational consultations.
[Verified by:- Dr Sandeep Vaishya, Director , MBBS, MS, MCh, Fellowship 20 Years of Experience Gurgaon, India. (Updated On 16/ july/2020)]
Spinal fusion is the surgical procedure of combining two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them. spinal fusion surgery involves techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones. at the time of Spinal fusion surgery, Your Surgeon placed bone or a bonelike material within the space between two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates, screws and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together, so they can heal into one solid unit.
Spinal Fusion surgery is generally recommended only when your Surgeon can point out the source of your pain. To do this, your Surgeon may use imaging tests, such as x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Various spinal conditions may be treated though lumbar spinal fusion such as:
Often, the result is more than just a drop in pain. You may find:
Lumbar fusion- commonly done procedure mainly due to degenerative disc changes in lumbar spine which causes pressure on the spinal cord nerves
Cervical fusion- also commonly performed due to increased motion and stress on cervical spine.
Thoracic fusion –thoracic spine being more immobile, so usually the cause of fusion in thoracic spine is trauma or deformities.
You will meet to your surgeon to discuss your pre-admission process, and to ensure you are fit to go ahead with the procedure.
Please inform the team if you are:
You must also inform us prior to attending if you are taking any of the following medications:
Before your Spinal Fusion surgery, Pre-opreative testing may necessary to have blood tests, chest X-ray and an EKG, echo for heart, CT scan or MRI of your spine. it will be done at pre-admission testing department of the Hospital by technician.
If you smoke, it is important you stop well before Spinal Fusion surgery and avoid smoking for a period of at least 6 months afterwards, as this will impede proper healing.
You will be given instructions and supplies to cleanse your lower back area the day prior to your procedure.
Bring a list of your medications with you. When you arrive at the hospital, Medicare Spots will complete your admission details and checked by nurse that you are fit for your procedure.
You will see your surgeon on the ward 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.
Important Reminder:- Ensure that you do not have anything to eat after midnight the night before your surgery. You may drink water only till 2 am.
From the ward you will be taken down to the theatre where the anaesthetist and the team await you.
The anaesthetist will also see you on the ward prior to the operation, to explain the anaesthetic and to answer your questions.
Your Surgeons will perform spinal fusion Surgery under general anesthesia so you’re unconscious during the procedure. Surgeons have developed a variety of techniques for performing spinal fusion surgery. The technique your surgeon uses depends on the location of the vertebrae to be fused, the reason for the spinal fusion, and in some instances, your general health and body shape.
Generally, the procedure involves the following
The incision is made for access to the vertebrae and perform the surgery. the surgeon makes an incision in one of three locations: in your neck or back directly over your spine, on either side of your spine, depending on the type of surgery require. depending on the type of surgery you require. For cervical fusion, the incision is made on the back of the neck. For thoracic fusion, the incision is made either on the back on top of the spine directly or on either side of the spine.
The bone graft required for the surgery is usually taken from your body, generally from your pelvis. If your own bone is used, your surgeon makes an incision on the pelvis region. removes a small portion and closes the incision. The bone graft is placed at the site for fusion.
To fuse the vertebrae together permanently, the surgeon places the bone graft material between the vertebrae. it is done using Metal plates, screws, bolts or rods may be used to help hold the vertebrae together while the bone graft heals.
In selected cases, some surgeons use a synthetic substance instead of bone grafts. These synthetic substances help promote bone growth and speed the fusion of the vertebrae.
Spinal fusion Surgery is usually a safe procedure, there are risks associated with spinal fusion. Your Surgeon will discuss each of the risks with you before your procedure and will take specific measures to help avoid potential complications. Potential risks and complication of spinal fusion Surgery include:
It is very Important that you have to follow instructions carefully which in given by your surgeon. the warning signs of blood clots and injection. these complications are most likely to occur during the first few weeks after your spinal Fusion surgery.
Blood clots. Warning signs of a possible blood clot include:
Occasionally, a blood clot will travel through the bloodstream and may settle in the lungs. If this happens, you may feel sudden chest pain and breathing problem or coughing. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should inform to your surgeon urgently.
Infection. Infection after spinal fusion surgery occurs very rarely. Warning signs of infection include:
If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact your Surgeon or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
After your spinal fusion Surgery, you’ll need to stay in the hospital for a period of recovery and observation. This generally lasts three to four days. Initially, your doctor will want to observe you for reactions to the anesthesia and surgery. Your release date will depend on your overall physical condition, your physician’s practices, and your reaction to the procedure.
Conclusions: The outcome of primary lumbar fusion surgery was decreased pain and increased function for the majority of patients in all five diagnostic categories. The amount of improvement varied by diagnostic group. Patients with developmental conditions showed greater improvement than patients with degenerative conditions.
Success rate of spinal fusion surgery in terms of pain relief is 80-90 percent. its depends in Surgeon experience.
It depends on the level of the fusion and exent of surgery, Generally simple one level fusion surgery takes between 2-3 hours.
Your hospital stay will depend on your Medical condition and which surgeryhas done. Most patients go home between 3-4 days.
Transfusions are rarely needed after spinal Fusion surgery. We do not recommend pre-operative donation of your own blood.
Approximately, 90% to 95% of patients get relief of their leg pain. Some patients (about 15%) will continue to have noticeable back pain in some situations and may physiotherapy or injection.
Following surgery, you may get up and move around as soon as you feel like it. You should change positions frequently throughout the day to help control pain, prevent blood clots, and improve circulation. It is helpful to sit for a while, lie down for a while, and then take short walks throughout the day. For most patients, sexual activity can be resumed in three to four weeks post-operatively.
In general, you should limit heavy lifting, bending, twisting, pulling, pushing, and high impact physical activities, including contact sports, until instructed otherwise by your surgeon. You should only lift objects that can be easily lifted with one hand and do not lift above your elbows. If you are a smoker, it is important that you do not smoke because it interferes with bone healing.
No. Exercise is good for you! You should get some sort of low-impact aerobic exercise at least three times a week. Walking either outside or on a treadmill, using an exercise bike and swimming (when cleared by your surgeon) are all examples of exercise that is appropriate for spine patients.
The best ways to manage your discomfort include:
The amount of pain varies by the extent of surgery and your tolerance to pain medications. You may need to take prescription pain medications for a few weeks to months after the surgery.
This should be discussed individually with your surgeon. It depends on the kind of work you do and how long you must drive to get there. Surgical patients can usually return to sedentary jobs (usually two or three weeks) when they can comfortably sit. If your job requires physical labor, it will take longer before you can return to work. If you need to take time off from work.
This will depend on the type of surgery you had and your recovery process. Your pain must be managed so that you no longer need any pain medication (for example, narcotic medications such as Vicodin, Norco or Percocet). These medications can affect your ability to drive. You will need to consult with your Surgeon regarding your specific situation.
Most people need a care taker for the first week or two at home. If you required help at home before your surgery, you may need help for a longer time.
Physical therapy will most likely start four to six weeks after Spinal Fusion surgery. The goal is to develop a long-term, home exercise program that can be continued on a consistent basis. This program will focus on core strengthening, non-impact aerobic exercises, coordination and overall conditioning.
It is best to avoid positions that twist your body. Use pillows to support your head, shoulders, trunk and legs. Stay away from soft sofas and beds.
Once at home, it is important to walk several times a day (as tolerated) and use proper body mechanics. Control your discomfort by resting, icing your incision, and taking your pain medication.
Excessive body weight may cause body posture changes that place increased stress on the spine. This may place you at a greater risk for injury and pain.
Director , MBBS, MS, MCh, Fellowship 20 Years of Experience Gurgaon, India
Surgeon Consultant , MBBS, MS 13 Years of Experience Gurgaon, India
Director , MBBS, MS, DNB 28 Years of Experience Gurgaon , India