Lumbar spinal fusion procedure is a surgical procedure performed for connecting the two vertebrae in order to eliminate movement or friction therebetween. Lumbar spinal fusion procedures are utilized for the treatment of a variety of diseases including disc degeneration, slipped disc, herniated disc, scoliosis (curvature of the spine) or injury. This procedure is only performed in cases that conventional treatments have failed to relieve the pain.

This operation can be performed alone or in combination with other spinal operations. A variety of techniques are used in the implementation of the procedure depending on the type of damage that will be eliminated. The patient lies dormant under anesthesia and does not feel any pain when lumbar spinal fusion procedure is performed

• Duration of the Procedure: 3 or 4 hours
• Duration of Hospital Stay: The patients are hospitalized for 3 to 4 days in average after lumbar spinal fusion.

• The patient's recovery time before traveling to his/her country: In most cases, the patients, who want to be performed lumbar spinal fusion through health tourism, can return to their country within 5-7 days after the procedure.
• Travelling Recommendations: Most of the professionals advise the patients, who want to be performed lumbar spinal fusion through health tourism, not to travel at least a week after the surgery. Two issues should be considered after the procedure; loss of mobility and pain. You are recommended to travel to your country when you start to feel yourself a little better after staying in a comfortable hotel with disabled access for a reasonable time.

 

Details of the Procedure

Your surgery begins with general anesthesia application. You are laid to the operating table in prone position for your surgeon’s access to your spine. Spine region is prepared for the procedure with a sterile drape and antiseptic fluid.

The surgeon performs an incision to expose the spine. Muscles and tissues are pulled aside. In cases where another procedure is performed simultaneously, other procedures are performed first in most cases. Then, a bone graft is utilized to hold the bones together.

 

Different bone graft methods are utilized in spinal fusion:

• Bone graft strips are placed on the affected region of the spine
• Bone graft is placed between two vertebrae affected
• The graft material is inserted between the cage of the affected vertebrae

 

Different bone graft materials are used in lumber spinal fusion:

• Pelvic bone
• Donor bone
• Synthetic bone

The surgeon holds the graft in place using a cage, screws or plates after placing the graft. These ensure the vertebrae to remain fixed in their place until complete healing. The surgeon closes the muscles and tissues after completion of the spinal fusion.

 

After the procedure

You will be taken to the recovery after the procedure. You will be under careful observation until coming out of anesthesia. Analgesic medication will be prescribed by the surgeon for your comfort.

Your spine must be kept in the correct position during the first few days after the procedure. Thus, it allows the alignment of the spine as necessary. In some instances, the patient is administered IV for 2-3 days. Also, a drain (discharge pipe) may be inserted for the first 2 - 3 days.

You will be told how to sit, stand up and walk in the recovery process by the hospital staff during your stay in hospital. Thus, to avoid the movement and conditions that could lead to injure yourself or prolong the healing process. In addition, back brace fitted or plaster is applied during your stay in the hospital and after.

 

Results

Lumbar spinal fusion is a highly effective procedure. As a matter of fact, most of the patients that the procedure is performed get rid of the symptoms partially or fully. However, it should be strongly considered that the patients underwent spinal fusion may encounter problems in the other parts of their back over time.

 

Risks and Complications

A number of risks are also in question in lumbar spinal fusion as with any surgery. The most commonly encountered risks and complications are listed below:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Respiratory problems
• Blood loss
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Reaction of the body to anesthesia
• Damage of the spinal nerves
• Weakness
• Loss of sensation
• Bowel and urinary bladder problems
• Back problems

 

Contact your physician in the following cases:

• Fever above 101⁰F (38.3⁰C) or chills
• Increased Pain
• Green or yellow colored, or heavy / bad smelling discharge from the incision
• Arising of numbness in the arms or change occurring in the feeling of the arms, legs or feet
• Experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath
• Occurrence of swelling
• Worsening of back pain, and not relieving with rest or the use of medication
• Arising of intestinal or urinary problems