Herniated disc surgery
Herniated disc surgery is an orthopedic surgical procedure conducted to treat a diseased or a damaged disc. This surgery aims at relieving symptoms such as pain being caused by a herniated or a ruptured disc.
Today, we at MyMedTrip.com shall brief you on herniated disc surgery, herniated disc surgery cost in India, and herniated disc surgery’s recovery time. Along these lines, you will also get information on herniated disc surgery success rates and its procedure.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost of herniated disc surgery in India | 5000 USD (laminectomy) |
| Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
| Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | 1-2 days |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 17 days |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | 60 – 80 % |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | MRI, CT scan, and X-ray. cell test. |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
Herniated disc surgery
A herniated disc surgery is done when our spinal disc suffers a sudden injury.
The spine’s discs are cushion-like structures that lie between the spine’s vertebrae/its small bones. When the disc’s central substance called the nucleus breaks through the disc, a disc herniation or a disc rupture occurs.
These discs may also be herniated if there is excessive straining of them and the connective tissues surrounding it. This results in a tear in the disc ring making the vertebrae bulge out. When this occurs, chemicals are released from the torn disc ring causing inflammation.
The first instance of treatment would be the use of non-surgical methods such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines. It is only when these methods fail that a herniated disc surgery becomes a viable option.
Before branching off into any further discussions on a herniated disc and herniated disc surgery, let us first try to understand the anatomical structure of the spine and some of the spine’s functions.
About the spine
Our spine comprises small and flexible bones known as the vertebrae, which form the spinal column. This is surrounded and supported by the spinal cord and additional nerves acting as neurotransmitters to the brain. They are held together into what is known as the spinal canal.
Placed in between the vertebrae are facet joints, the joint of the spine, which is a connective tissue consisting of cartilage. This joint allows the spine to move with flexibility.
The vertebrae also consist of small discs placed in between them which act as a cushion and absorb pressure, thereby further giving support to the spine.
The spine is divided into three different sections. They are the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, running from the top to bottom, respectively. They are organized in an ‘S’ shape.
At the bottom of the lumbar spine lies a group of specialized vertebrae known as sacrum which connects the spine with the pelvis. There are nerves in this area which are responsible for bladder and bowel movements.
Functions of the spine
The spine is one of the major components in our body with the help of which the body is able to move and function properly. It is also able to function properly because the spine’s structure supports the spinal cords which consist of neurotransmitters that act as messengers to and from the brain.
With the help of tiny vertebrae and its cushion-like discs, the body is able to sit or stand upright and support itself through any motion.
Causes of a herniated disc
A herniated disc may be caused by a general ‘wear and tear’ of the spine’s disc as a result of aging. This occurs because the water content of the disc dries up as we age. This drying up leads to a compromised flexibility of the spine’s disc and the nucleus raptures.
A herniated disc is also referred to as a ruptured disc. This condition leads to what medical professionals call a degenerated disc.
Symptoms of a herniated disc
A herniated disc is symptomised by:-
- Numbness.
- Lower back pain.
- Tingling sensation.
- Leg pain.
- Restricted mobility.
In addition to these aforementioned symptoms, a herniated disc is also symptomized by nerve pain that radiates from where the disc herniated has occurred to the legs, toes, and fingers. If the herniation has occurred in the neck, then this nerve pain is felt in the upper areas of our body such as the arms and shoulder.
Tests required
A herniated disc is diagnosed with several tests. Upon experiencing the symptoms and visiting an orthopedic surgeon, the surgeon will most likely conduct a physical exam to assess the degree of the symptoms experienced. In addition to this, the doctor will also prescribe some imaging tests. They will be:-
- MRI
- X- ray
- CT scan
- Myelogram
The results of the test will determine the method of treatment.
The treatments will most likely begin with the prescription of non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicines and muscle relaxants, injections of corticosteroid infused with anesthesia, and physiotherapy.
These methods are hoped to relieve symptoms. Upon their failure to do so, surgical intervention will be recommended.
Before herniated disc surgery
Before the herniated disc surgery, the doctor will suggest some additional tests which are mandatory for the surgery. The tests are:-
- CT scan
- MRI
- X-ray
- Preoperative blood tests
- ECG
- Urinalysis
In addition to these tests, the surgeon may also suggest some more tests specific to the herniated condition of the candidate.
The surgeon will also advise the candidate to refrain from certain things, a few days prior to surgery. These are:-
- Refraining from alcohol.
- Refraining from blood thinning agents.
- Refraining from over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines.
- Quitting smoking.
- Refraining from the consumption of food, solid or liquid, from the night before surgery.
During herniated disc surgery
There are several kinds of surgery for a herniated disc. The procedure of each type of herniated disc surgery, relayed in the following paragraphs, may be performed separately, or in a combined manner.
Spinal fusion surgery
The surgery commences under general anesthesia and takes several hours.
An incision is made either directly in the spine; through the neck or back, from sideways; right or left side, or from the front.
Following this, the surrounding muscles are removed to access the spine. Once this becomes visible, the damaged and painful discs are removed.
A bone graft, taken from the patient’s or donor’s pelvis, is placed along with supporting materials such as metal rods, screws, or plates. Sometimes the doctor may even use synthetic materials that catalyze the process of synthesizing.
These materials help hold the vertebrae together till the time when the graft fuses with the vertebrae and forms a longer solid bone.
The surgery ends with closing the incision and sealing up the wound, with stitches and bandages.
Microdiscectomy
This is one of the most common surgeries conducted for a herniated disc.
A microdiscectomy takes around one-two hours.
This surgery commences under general anesthesia that renders the candidate fully unconscious. In very rare cases, the doctor uses a local or regional anesthesia. The surgeon, following anesthesia administration, proceeds to make small incisions on the patient’s back.
Following the incisions, the surgeon removes the surrounding muscles and nerves. This gives the surgeon clear access to the spine.
In the next step, the surgeon carefully navigates through the spinal structure and removes the damaged disc that has been causing pressure on the nerve roots.
In the last step, the surgeon puts back the muscles and nerves, and closes the incision with stitches.
Laminectomy
This surgery commences under general anesthesia. Following this, the surgeon progresses to make the incisions.
After making the incisions, the surgeon carefully removes the surrounding muscles and nerves to access the spine.
When the internal structures are visible, the surgeon progresses to remove the entire vertebral bone (lamina) which has been putting pressure on the nerves and resulting in pain.
In some cases, a laminectomy is performed along with a spinal fusion surgery. If a spinal fusion surgery is required, then following the removal of the lamina, the surgeon will conduct the spinal fusion surgery.
The surgery ends with closing the stitches and putting bandages in the area.
Artificial disc surgery
This surgery commences under general anesthesia. Following this, the surgeon progresses to make incisions.
In the next step, the surgeon removes the surrounding muscles and nerves to access the spine.
After the access, the surgeon removes the part of the disc which has been causing pressure on the nerve roots resulting in pain. In some cases, the surgeon may remove the entire disc for better results.
In the next step, the surgeon prepares the area from which the damaged disc has been removed and places the artificial disc there. The artificial disc is made of plastic or metal parts. After placing the artificial disc, the surgeon will check if it is fitted properly.
The surgery ends by closing the wounds with stitches and applying bandages.
Herniated disc surgery recovery time
The recovery process for different types of herniated disc surgeries are different. However, in all of them, physiotherapy is mandatory for recovery. Along with physical therapy, the candidate needs to take regular antibiotics to avoid any infection.
The candidate must inform the doctor immediately if they are experiencing persistent pain at the surgical site, high fever, or drainage from the surgical wounds.
The herniated disc surgery recovery time for different types of herniated disc surgeries are as follows:-
- For spinal fusion surgery, the candidate will require four-six weeks for the surgical site’s healing. Complete recovery along with the recovery of the operated spine can range anywhere between six-twelve months.
2. For microdiscectomy, recovery from the surgical wound takes about two-three weeks. Complete recovery takes about six-eight weeks.
How can MyMedTrip.com help?
If you have decided to travel to India for herniated disc surgery, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost! We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.
Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers, even though most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian,Bengali, and English.
If you have any further queries or questions related to herniated disc surgery in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Herniated disc surgery
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated or a ruptured disc occurs when the nucleus of the disc breaks through and enters into the surrounding areas of the disc.
Why does herniated disc occur?
Herniated disc is a general result of ageism.
What are the symptoms of herniated disc?
The symptoms of a herniated disc include numbness, lower back pain, tingling sensation, leg pain, and restricted mobility.
What are the tests required for diagnosing herniated discs?
The tests required for diagnosing a herniated disc are MRI, X- ray, CT scan, and myelogram.
What are the different types of surgeries available for herniated discs?
The different types of surgeries available for herniated disc surgeries are artificial disc surgery, spinal fusion surgery, laminectomy, and microdiscectomy.
Under what anesthesia does spinal fusion surgery take place?
General anesthesia.
What happens in a spinal fusion surgery?
In a spinal fusion surgery, the spine’s two or more vertebrates are joined together to form one long bone.
Under what kind of anesthesia does microdiscectomy take place?
General anesthesia.
What happens in microdiscectomy?
In a microdiscectomy, parts of the damaged discs are removed.
Under what kind of anesthesia does laminectomy take place?
General anesthesia.
What happens in laminectomy?
In a laminectomy, the entire vertebral bone is removed.
Under what kind of anesthesia does artificial disc surgery take place?
General anesthesia.
What happens in artificial disc surgery?
In an artificial disc surgery, the damaged disc is replaced with an artificial disc made up of plastic and metal parts.
How long does it take to recover from the various types of herniated disc surgery?
The time period ranges from a few weeks to one year.
What is the success rate of various herniated disc surgeries?
The herniated disc surgery success rates for various kinds of surgeries are 90-95% for microdiscectomy, 89-97% for artificial disc surgery, 60-80% for laminectomy, and 70-90% for spinal fusion surgery.
