What is the average cost of spinal fusion surgery in India?
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)]
What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
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.
Symptoms Of Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Sharp or severe pain in the buttocks, legs, back
- Weakness in one or both legs
- Tingling in one or both legs
- Numbness in one or both legs
- Tumors or spine infection.
Indications for Spinal Fusion Surgery
Various spinal conditions may be treated though lumbar spinal fusion such as:
- Degenerative disk disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Damaged disc
- Spinal tumor
- Fractured vertebra
- Scoliosis and kyphosis (abnormal curvatures of the spine)
- Injection
- Herniated dis
What Are the Benefits from Spinal Fusion Surgery In India?
Often, the result is more than just a drop in pain. You may find:
- Live Normal life
- Low-Cost Spinal Fusion surgery
- You can move around better.
- You’re more physically fit.
- You don’t need to take as much pain medicine.
- You can go back to work.
- You’re more productive at work.
Types of Spinal Fusion Surgery In India
Part of spine- Spinal fusion can be done at any location of spine
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.
What to expect before the procedure:
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:
- Diabetic
- Have a cough, cold, or any kind of infection
You must also inform us prior to attending if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel (these are likely to need to be stopped some days before the surgery).
- Antibiotics
- Bring Your Medical reports.
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.
Day Before Spinal Fusion Surgery
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.
On the day of the procedure
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.
During Spinal Fusion Surgery
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
Incision
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.
Bone graft preparation.
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.
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.
Risks and complications
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:
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Nerve damage.
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Pain at graft site
- Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine
Warning Signs
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:
- Swelling in the calf, ankle or foot
- Tenderness or redness, which may extend above or below the knee
- Pain in the calf
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:
- Redness, tenderness, and swelling around the wound edges
- Drainage from the wound
- Pain or tenderness
- Shaking chills
- Elevated temperature, usually above 101°F if taken with an oral thermometer
If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact your Surgeon or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Spinal Fusion Surgery recovery
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.
Back on the ward
- On the ward you will be allowed to sit up and you will be given something to eat as soon as you feel up to it.
- The next day after the operation, 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).
- 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 mobilising safely, and your wound is dry, you will be allowed to go home.
Home care after Spinal Fusion surgery In India
- Keep your wound dry at all times, including when washing.
- Keep yourself mobile, but do not undertake any strenuous activity for the first three weeks. Do not lift anything heavy.
- If you have a journey to work and have a desk job, it may be 6 to 8 weeks before you can fully get back to work. You can start intermittently working from
- home when you feel comfortable to sit for short periods of time. A manual job may require 12 weeks off work.
- Do not drive for 6 weeks following 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.
Discharge Instructions for Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Arrange your household to keep the items you need within reach.
- Remove electrical cords, throw rugs, and anything else that may cause you to fall.
- Use nonslip bath mats, grab bars, an elevated toilet seat, and a shower chair in your bathroom.
- Use a walker or handrails until your balance, flexibility, and strength improve. And remember to ask for help from others when you need it.
- Wait 3 day(s) after your surgery to begin showering. Then shower as needed. Carefully wash your incision with soap and water. Gently pat it dry. Don’t rub the incision, or apply creams or lotions to it. To avoid falling while showering, use a shower stool.
- Take your pain medicine exactly as directed.
- Don’t take nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, unless directed by your doctor. They may delay or prevent proper fusion of the spine.
- Continue to wear the support stockings you were given in the hospital. Wear them as instructed by your doctor.
- Wear your back brace as directed by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions of spinal fusion surgery
What is the Success rate of spinal fusion surgery ?
Success rate of spinal fusion surgery in terms of pain relief is 80-90 percent. its depends in Surgeon experience.
How long does spinal fusion surgery take In India?
It depends on the level of the fusion and exent of surgery, Generally simple one level fusion surgery takes between 2-3 hours.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Your hospital stay will depend on your Medical condition and which surgeryhas done. Most patients go home between 3-4 days.
Will I need a blood transfusion?
Transfusions are rarely needed after spinal Fusion surgery. We do not recommend pre-operative donation of your own blood.
What is the likelihood that I will be relieved of my pain?
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.
What can I do after surgery?
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.
What shouldn’t I do after Spinal Fusion surgery?
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.
Should I avoid physical activity?
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.
How do I manage my surgical discomfort?
The best ways to manage your discomfort include:
- Taking your pain medication as directed
- Applying ice packs for 15 minutes several times a day
- Resting in positions that protect your spine
- Staying active throughout the day, taking frequent breaks
How long will my pain last?
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.
When can I go back to work?
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.
How soon can I drive?
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.
Will I need assistance at home?
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.
Will I need physical therapy?
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.
What is the best position for sleeping?
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.
What are some things I need to do at home after Spinal Fusion surgery?
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.
Why should I maintain a normal weight?
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.
Best Spine Surgeon In India
Dr Sandeep Vaishya
Director , MBBS, MS, MCh, Fellowship 20 Years of Experience Gurgaon, India
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