The presence of any tumor or growth on the spine, whether malignant or benign, can exert pressure on the nerves, resulting in symptoms such as pain, nerve damage, or potential paralysis. Additional indications may include numbness, muscle weakness, especially in the legs, difficulty walking leading to falls, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
What are the benefits of the Surgery?
The primary goal of surgery is to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord, repair damage such as a fractured bone, and stabilize the spine. By achieving these objectives, doctors can reduce pain and potentially restore lost nerve function. This improvement can significantly enhance quality of life by facilitating activities such as walking and using the bathroom more comfortably. Additionally, surgery can have a direct and indirect impact on extending life expectancy.
Who needs this Surgery?
In many cases, surgery is not considered for individuals with metastases unless their life expectancy is predicted to be at least 3-4 months, and other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy are not viable options for tumor management. Reasons for proceeding with surgery include managing intractable pain, relieving spinal cord compression, and addressing pathological fractures.
Investigations required to diagnose the procedure
Diagnosing a spinal tumor typically begins with assessing back pain and neurological symptoms. Confirmation often requires imaging such as a CT scan or bone scan. When the diagnosis remains uncertain or there is concern about malignancy versus a benign tumor, a biopsy may be necessary. A biopsy helps determine the type of tumor and guides treatment decisions, particularly if the tumor is malignant.
How is the Surgery done?
The location of the tumor within the spinal column dictates the surgical approach. Surgeons commonly utilize the posterior technique, which involves exposing the dura and nerve roots. This method is suitable for spinal tumors or those affecting the dura. It allows for decompression and multi-level segmental fixation. Conversely, the anterior approach is preferred for tumors involving the vertebral body. This method enables correction of abnormalities such as vertebral body removal and facilitates focused treatment on short segments. Addressing thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors that affect both the anterior and posterior columns can be challenging. Managing these complex lesions often requires achieving optimal outcomes through a combination of posterior and anterior approaches.
What are the recovery and postoperative care after the Surgery?
Following surgery, it is common to experience pain and movement limitations. Typically, hospitalization lasts 5-7 days. Adhering to post-operative instructions significantly enhances surgical outcomes. Recovery from spine surgery is prolonged and can affect quality of life, necessitating psychological preparation. Post-operative medications and rehabilitation are essential components of the recovery process.
What are the risks and complications of the Surgery?
Nerve damage, infection, bleeding, and stiffness are all potential risks associated with spine surgery. The specific risks vary depending on the individual. It’s important to discuss your personal risk factors with your surgeon before undergoing surgery.
Success Rate:
Depending on the type of cancer tissue, 83% of the time, surgical removal of spinal tumors works.
How often TLIF back surgery works
After TLIF spinal fusion surgery, studies show that the patient’s pain goes down by 60% to 70%.
Spinal Cord Cancer Treatment cost in India are as follow