Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
In the field of orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery has become the standard. However, because the spine needs a more advanced technology, it is one of the last resorts to incorporate a minimally invasive spine surgery.
We, at MyMedTrip.com, shall inform in detail of the whereabouts of a minimally invasive spine surgery. We shall also discuss minimally invasive spine surgery in India and the cost of minimally invasive spine surgery.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost of minimally invasive spine surgery in India | 5, 200 USD |
| 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 day |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 10-14 days |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | Over 90% |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | MRI, X-rays, preoperative blood tests. 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.
About minimally invasive spine surgery
In a minimally invasive spine surgery in India or even worldwide, a device called the tubular retractor is inserted through a small incision. This retractor creates a tunnel-like way into the affected area of the spine by gently navigating through the surrounding muscles and tissues.
A small microscope is used that provides live pictures of the spine. The surgeon is able to operate on only the affected area by putting small surgical tools through the way made by the retractor. This is the standard in any minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Such surgeries can be performed in cases of lumbar discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion etc.
The image-guiding technology is a very important part of MISS, or any other minimally invasive surgery. In the case of spine, technologies such as fluoroscopy that constantly provide real x-ray images are used.
Alongside this, the system may also use a 2D or 3D view which will guide the surgeon during placing instruments such as pedicle screws. Fortunately, most private Indian hospitals are equipped with these instruments.
Conditions treatable with minimally invasive spine surgery
The aim of a minimally invasive spine surgery is similar to the aim of traditional spine surgery. Usually when all other methods of spine treatment have failed to address the symptoms of spine ailments, a MISS, may be suggested. The conditions for this include:-
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative spine disorder
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal fracture
- Spinal infection
- Spinal tumor
- Spinal deformity such as scoliosis or Kyphosis
In all these cases, the Indian doctor may use a minimally invasive technique and perform decompression, instrumentation, spinal fusion, or correction of deformity. The doctor may perform a combination of all of them to treat the symptoms.
However, it is very important to inquire if MISS is the best option and whether the specific hospital has the technology to perform this. In India, almost all private hospitals are equipped with technologies to perform such a surgery.
Our doctors are equipped with the right technologies and have a lot of experience. Therefore, getting a minimally invasive spine surgery in India is as common as getting any other common surgery.
Types of minimally invasive spine surgery
Lumbar disc herniation
A minimally invasive lumbar disc herniation surgery is aimed at treating a bulging disc that puts pressure on nerves causing leg pain, numbness and weakness. In this kind, an incision of less than 1 inch is made, and the tubular retractor is inserted through the incision.
Following this, when the spinal column is exposed, a laminectomy or bony resection is conducted. After that, the surgeon is able to reach to the spinal column, readjust the nerves, and remove the herniated disc. The minimally invasive technique, aside from reducing collateral damage, allows the patient to be discharged within the same day.
Spinal stenosis
A minimally invasive technique of bilateral decompression is used to treat spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the vertebral column due to thickened ligaments and disc degeneration. It can also be due to cysts that put immense pressure on the spinal cord and its nerves.
A bilateral decompression is where a unilateral tubular retractor is used through a small incision. It is conducted to widen the spinal canal, remove the thickened ligaments and degenerated discs, and give enough space to the nerve root tunnel. This surgery also would make the patient eligible for same day discharge.
Spinal tumor
There are various minimally invasive techniques for removing a spinal tumor. Recent advancements in this have further allowed for an aggressive removal of secondary spinal tumors that result from cancer in another part of the body.
Few examples of some of the techniques include, a mini open decompression, corpectomy, and percutaneous fixation. All of these allow for a removal of the tumor with small incisions and its separation from associated nerves and spinal cords. Since the recovery period is shorter, radiation oncologists are able to perform radiation therapy soon after.
Since Indian doctors have been conducting such advanced surgeries and thereby have further contributed to the field of MISS of the spine, the success rates of Minimally invasive spine surgery in India are quite high at 90%.
Before minimally invasive spine surgery
The doctor would usually prescribe tests such as MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, to determine the patient’s spine conditions along with their overall health condition. For this, a medical history needs to be provided.
The doctor needs to be informed of small details like over-the-counter medicines. The patient will be requested to stop certain medications that have blood thinners before the surgery.
Alcohol, being a blood thinning agent, must also be stopped. Additionally, it is recommended to quit smoking for some time prior to the surgery as it interferes with recovery. The patient is asked to stop eating from midnight and inform the doctor if any other ailments such as a fever appear at this time.
Surgical procedure of a minimally invasive surgery
A trained medical team along with the appointed surgeon conducts this surgery. A general anesthesia is given alongside sedative medicines to help with the pain in a post-surgical state. An IV is attached. Vitals signs such as blood pressure and heart rate are monitored during a minimally invasive spine surgery.
A special type of X-ray, as mentioned above, is used following an incision. Through the tubular retractor in the incised area, the area of the spine to be treated is exposed. The surgeon then passes on a small camera and light through this retractor alongside other small surgical tools.
Following this, the needed repair is done, surgical and other instruments are pulled back, and the incision is closed with staples, glue, or stitches.
Post-surgical process for minimally invasive spine surgery
A minimally invasive spine surgery has a faster recovery rate. Because of this, the patient may get discharged on the same day. However, the doctor may also decide to keep a patient for a day or two to check their response to the surgery.
Usually there is very little pain and it subsides fairly quickly. Therefore, pain medicines are advised only if the pain becomes bothersome.
As with the traditional spine’s surgical procedure, the patient will be given walkers or stretchers and braces. Additionally, physical therapy is required to help with the movements of the new back.
The recovery is fairly quick but is also dependent on the patient’s overall health. Usually it is only a matter of weeks for all patients to recover from the surgery. Physical therapy may be required based on the patient’s condition.
Risks involved in minimally invasive surgery
The risk associated with a minimally invasive spine surgery is much lesser than an ‘open’ surgery. However, as with any surgical procedures, this method too comes with a limited number of risks. They include:-
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Blood clot
- Complications from anesthesia
Usually the doctor prescribes medicines before the surgery to prevent these risks and help in healing the wound quickly. In case of nerve damage, the doctor needs to be informed immediately. Usually more physical therapy is prescribed to correct this. Very rarely, a second surgery is conducted.
Hopkins medicine recommends that a patient is informed the following before a minimally invasive spine surgery.
- The name of the procedure.
- The reason for having the procedure.
- The expected results of the procedure.
- The risks and benefits.
- Possible side effects of the procedure.
- What would happen if you decide to not have the procedure.
- Any alternative procedures to MISS.
- Who will conduct the procedure and what are their qualifications.
How can MyMedTrip.com help?
If you have decided to travel to India for minimally invasive spine 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 minimally invasive spine surgery in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
What is a minimally invasive spine surgery?
In a minimally invasive spine surgery, a device called the tubular retractor is inserted through a small incision. This retractor creates a tunnel-like way into the affected area of the spine by gently navigating through the surrounding muscles and tissues. This surgery involves smaller incisions, shorter periods of hospital stay, and a faster recovery.
What can be treated with a minimally invasive spine surgery?
There are various conditions that can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery. They are herniated disc, degenerative spine disorder, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal fracture, spinal infection, spinal tumor, and spinal deformity such as scoliosis or Kyphosis.
What is a lumbar disc herniation surgery?of Abdominoplasty surgery?
A minimally invasive lumbar disc herniation surgery is aimed at treating a bulging disc that puts pressure on nerves causing leg pain, numbness and weakness. In this kind, an incision of less than 1 inch is made, and the tubular retractor is inserted through the incision.
Is it possible to do a MISS for spinal stenosis? me?
Yes, it is possible to do a minimally invasive spine surgery for spinal stenosis.
What happens in a minimally invasive spinal stenosis surgery?
A minimally invasive technique of bilateral decompression is used for spinal stenosis. In this, a unilateral tubular retractor is used through a small incision. It is conducted to widen the spinal canal, remove the thickened ligaments and degenerated discs, and give enough space to the nerve root tunnel.
Is it possible to remove spinal tumors with MISS technique?
Yes, it is possible to remove spinal tumors with minimally invasive spine surgery.
What happens in a minimally invasive spine surgery which is conducted to remove spinal tumor?
There are various minimally invasive techniques for removing a spinal tumor.
Few examples include a mini open decompression, corpectomy, and percutaneous fixation. All of these allow for a removal of the tumor with small incisions and its separation from associated nerves and spinal cords.
How long do I have to stay in the hospital for a minimally invasive spine surgery?
You may get discharged on the same day. However, the doctor may also decide to keep a patient for a day or two to check their response to the surgery..
