Spine Surgery

1. Physical examination: The doctor will check the patient physically and also note down the symptoms and medical history of the patient.
2. Blood tests: These tests help to rule out any metabolic abnormalities that may be present.
3. X-rays: They use electromagnetic energy beams to create images of the bones, tissues, and organs. They help in the diagnosis of bone injuries or tumors.
4. Myelogram: It is an imaging test that combines the use of an injected contrast substance along with x-rays or computed tomography (CT scans) to check the abnormalities of the spinal cord, spinal canal, nerve roots, and other tissues.
5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans: It is an imaging test performed to obtain clear images of the soft tissues within the body.
6. Computed tomography (CT) scans: It is an imaging test performed to obtain detailed images of the bones and soft tissues.
7. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV): They help in detecting the problems with the nerves and differentiate a nerve disorder from a muscle disorder.
8. Electromyography (EMG):  It is used to detect diseases that occur due to problems with the muscle itself, and is often used in combination with NCV to differentiate a nerve disorder from a muscle disorder.

Spine surgery can be performed in the following different ways:
1. Open surgery:
The procedure is usually performed using general anesthesia (the patient will be sleeping throughout the procedure).
A large incision is made through the skin, through the back, abdomen, or chest region.
The surgery is performed through the incision made.
The incision is then closed using sutures and covered by a bandage or dressing.

2. Minimally-invasive spine surgery:
The procedure may be performed under regional anesthesia (an area of the spine is numbed) or general anesthesia.
One or more small incisions are made through the skin, either through the back, chest, or abdomen.
A fluoroscope (portable x-ray machine providing real-time images of the spine during the surgery) or an endoscope (a thin tube attached to a video camera on one end) may be used by the surgeon to determine where to make the incisions.
Small surgical instruments will be passed through the endoscope or through the other tiny incisions made through which tubular retractors (thin, hollow tubes) have been placed.
The spinal bone and tissue can be removed during the surgery through the same tubular retractors.
The tubular retractors help in holding the muscles away from the surgical site during the surgery and the muscles return to their original position when the retractors are removed.
After the surgical procedure is completed, the incisions are closed using sutures, glue, or staples, and covered with small bandages or surgical tape.
A minimally-invasive surgery has a quicker recovery, is less painful, and has fewer complications than open surgery.

The complications associated with spine surgery are:

• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clot formation
• Pneumonia after surgery
• Damage to the surrounding tissues
• Spinal fluid leak
• Pain
• Injury to the nerves or spinal cord
• Paralysis
• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of bowel or bladder control 
• Heart attack
• Stroke

• After a discectomy or foraminotomy it is normal to feel some pain, numbness, or weakness along the path of the nerve that was under pressure. These symptoms should improve within a few weeks.
• Recovery following a laminectomy and fusion surgery may take longer. It may take at least three to four months after surgery for the bones to heal well, and the healing may continue for up to a year.
• In case of a spinal fusion, the patient may need to stay off work for approximately four to six weeks, provided the patient is young and healthy, and the job is not very strenuous.
• It may take approximately four to six months for older people undergoing more extensive surgery to go back to work.
• The doctor may prescribe pain-relieving medications to ease your discomfort.
• The tape or bandages will usually fall off within seven to ten days, or the patient may remove it themselves after the doctor gives permission for the same.
• It is normal for the incision area to have some pain and numbness after the procedure.
• The patient should call the doctor if the incision appears more swollen or red, feels warm, is draining more fluid from the wound, or begins to open up.
• The incision area should be kept dry for at least five to seven days after the surgery. It can be covered by plastic wrap while showering.
• Avoid smoking after the surgery to help in quicker healing.
• Do not sit for more than 20 to 30 minutes in one place.
• Ask your surgeon when you can resume sexual activity.
• A back brace or corset may be worn to support your back when you are walking or sitting.
• Avoid bending at the waist region. Instead, bend from your knees to squat down if you need to pick up something.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during the recovery period.
• Avoid long drives for the first two weeks after the surgery.
• Short walks can be taken for the first two weeks after the surgery.
• Physiotherapy sessions are recommended to resume your daily activities quickly.

Home remedies:

The following home remedies help in quicker recovery after spine surgery:

• Drink lots of fluids and eat a healthy, high-fiber, well-balanced diet
• Heating pads and ice pack application may help in relieving pain
• A walker, cane, or crutches may help in walking for the first few weeks after the surgery
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Start taking short walks and gradually increase the speed and intensity of your walks

Cost of Spine Surgery in India- 

The cost of spine surgery in Mumbai is between INR 1,50,000 to INR 5,50,000.
The cost of spine surgery in Delhi is between INR 1,40,000 to INR 5,25,000.
The cost of spine surgery in Bangalore is between INR 1,40,000 to INR 5,25,000.
The cost of spine surgery in Chennai is between INR 1,25,000 to INR 5,00,000.