Spinal Fusion
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Spinal fusion is a surgical technique designed to connect two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them. This procedure involves placing bone grafts or bone-like material between the vertebrae, which then fuse together, usually over a period of several months. The goal is to immobilize the segment of the spine to alleviate back pain, nerve irritability, or spinal deformities such as scoliosis. Spinal fusion may be recommended for various conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or spondylolisthesis.
This procedure can be performed using various techniques such as open surgery or minimally invasive methods. The approach, type of grafts used, and whether any implants are necessary depend on the patient's specific needs and the underlying condition being treated. Spinal fusion surgeries are complex procedures that often involve specialized surgical skills and state-of-the-art technologies like computer-assisted navigation or robotics.
Some people turn to spinal fusion as a last resort after exhausting conservative treatment options like medication, physical therapy, and injections. The procedure aims to provide permanent relief from back pain and improve the quality of life. However, it's worth noting that not everyone is an ideal candidate for this type of surgery, so proper diagnosis and consultation with healthcare professionals are crucial.
Procedure Duration
Spinal fusion surgery typically lasts several hours, but the duration can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the number of vertebrae involved, and the surgical technique being used. General anesthesia is usually administered, and patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days post-operation for monitoring and pain management.
The initial recovery phase, during which you'll be advised to restrict physical activities, may last up to six weeks. It usually takes about three to six months for the vertebrae to fuse adequately, although full recovery and return to strenuous activities can take up to a year or longer. Patients often participate in a structured physical therapy program to regain strength and improve mobility.
Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process, evaluate the success of the fusion, and check for any complications. While many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms, it's important to manage expectations as spinal fusion may not eliminate all symptoms and may result in reduced spinal flexibility.
Benefits
- Cost Savings: Many countries offer spinal fusion at a fraction of the cost compared to Western nations without compromising the quality of care.
- Expertise: Some international healthcare providers specialize in spinal surgeries, boasting skilled surgeons and excellent track records.
- Advanced Technology: Medical tourism destinations often invest in the latest surgical technologies, including minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted surgeries.
Potential Destinations
- Thailand: Known for its state-of-the-art hospitals and well-trained surgeons.
- India: Offers cost-effective spinal fusion with high standards of care.
- Germany: A leader in cutting-edge spinal surgery technologies.
- South Korea: Known for its advanced healthcare system and technological prowess.
Risks & Considerations
- Travel Requirements: Visas, long-haul flights, and accommodation can add complexity and costs.
- Quality of Care: The standard of healthcare can vary between countries and even within the same country.
- Communication Barriers: Language differences can be a concern when dealing with medical professionals.
- Legal Protections: Medical malpractice laws and patient rights may be different in the host country.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
- Certifications: Look for doctors with international or recognizable local certifications in spinal surgeries.
- Reviews & Testimonials: Previous patients' reviews can provide valuable insights into a healthcare provider's quality.
- Facilities: Tour the hospital or clinic to assess cleanliness, technology, and services offered.
- Post-Op Care: Ensure the facility offers appropriate post-operative care and support.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
