Anterior Cervical Discetomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by herniated or degenerative discs in the neck. The term "anterior" refers to the front side of the neck, from which surgeons access the cervical spine. It involves the removal of problematic disc material that is compressing the nerves or spinal cord and subsequent fusion of the affected vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
The procedure starts with the surgeon making an incision on the front side of the neck to access the cervical spine. The damaged disc causing nerve compression is then carefully removed. This part of the procedure is known as "discectomy." Following this, the space left by the removed disc is filled with a bone graft or synthetic spacer to restore the height and alignment of the spine. Over time, the bone graft promotes the growth of new bone, fusing the adjacent vertebrae into one solid unit, a process called "fusion."
ACDF is primarily indicated for patients suffering from cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, or discogenic pain due to disc herniation or degeneration. These conditions may lead to severe pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and even legs. By decompressing the nerve structures and stabilizing the spine, ACDF aims to restore normal function and relieve pain, providing significant improvement in the patient's quality of life.
Procedure Duration
ACDF typically takes around 1 to 3 hours to perform, depending on the number of discs being addressed and the patient's overall health. The procedure is often carried out under general anesthesia, and the patient is positioned on their back. Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully navigates around important structures such as the esophagus, trachea, and blood vessels to access the cervical spine.
The duration of the procedure is influenced by several factors, including the number of vertebrae requiring fusion, the complexity of the disc removal, and any additional procedures that may be required, such as placement of metal plates or screws to enhance stability. While a single-level ACDF may be completed relatively quickly, multi-level fusions tend to take longer.
After the procedure, patients are usually monitored in a recovery room for a few hours and may either return home the same day or stay in the hospital for one or two days, depending on their recovery rate and the surgeon's recommendations. Recovery from ACDF is typically gradual, with patients able to resume light activities within a few weeks. However, full recovery, including the complete fusion of vertebrae, may take anywhere from 3 to 12 months.
Benefits of ACDF
- Pain Relief: ACDF is highly effective in reducing or eliminating pain caused by herniated or degenerative discs in the cervical spine.
- Improved Mobility: Relief from nerve compression leads to improved mobility and function of the neck and upper extremities.
- Stabilization of the Spine: Fusion provides stabilization to the affected spinal segment, reducing the risk of further disc-related issues.
- Preventative: By decompressing nerves and stabilizing the spine, ACDF can prevent the progression of neurological symptoms.
- Quick Recovery for Single-Level Surgery: For single-level ACDF, recovery is often quicker compared to more extensive spinal surgeries, with many patients returning to normal activities within weeks.
Potential Destinations for ACDF
- Thailand
Thailand is renowned for its high-quality medical care and experienced spinal surgeons. The country's modern healthcare infrastructure, combined with affordable costs and advanced surgical technologies, makes it a top destination for ACDF. Medical tourists benefit from excellent pre- and post-operative care in internationally accredited hospitals.
- Turkey
Turkey is becoming a popular hub for spinal surgeries like ACDF, with its healthcare system offering world-class facilities, skilled neurosurgeons, and orthopedic specialists. Patients find that Turkey's affordable healthcare, coupled with its reputation for high-quality services, attracts many seeking ACDF surgery.
- Germany
Known for its medical excellence and state-of-the-art technologies, Germany boasts some of the best orthopedic and neurosurgery care in the world. Patients seeking ACDF in Germany benefit from comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, advanced surgical techniques, and post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Mexico
With its proximity to the United States and Canada, Mexico is an attractive destination for medical tourists looking for ACDF surgery. The country's hospitals offer affordable yet high-quality spinal care with well-trained specialists. This, combined with shorter travel times, makes Mexico an appealing choice for those seeking quick and cost-effective solutions.
- India
India has made a name for itself in the field of spinal surgery due to its combination of experienced surgeons, low-cost care, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. Many hospitals in India cater to international patients, providing ACDF procedures at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries, with no compromise on quality or outcomes.
Risks & Considerations of ACDF
- Infection Risk: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site or within the spine. Surgeons use sterile techniques to minimize this risk, but patients should be aware of signs of infection post-surgery.
- Hoarseness or Difficulty Swallowing: Due to the anterior approach of ACDF, patients may experience temporary hoarseness, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing, which usually resolves within days to weeks.
- Non-Fusion (Pseudoarthrosis): In some cases, the bones may not successfully fuse, resulting in pseudoarthrosis. This condition may necessitate further surgical intervention to achieve proper spinal stability.
- Nerve Damage: Although rare, there is a risk of nerve damage during the surgery, which may result in persistent pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Adjacent Segment Degeneration: The fusion process can put additional stress on the vertebrae above or below the fused segment, potentially leading to degeneration or the need for future surgery.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When seeking an ACDF procedure, it is crucial to choose a highly skilled spinal surgeon with extensive experience in performing this surgery. Look for surgeons who specialize in spine surgeries and who are associated with reputable hospitals equipped with modern spinal surgery facilities. Additionally, inquire about the surgeon's success rate with ACDF procedures and their approach to pre-operative planning, surgical techniques, and post-operative care.
Choosing the right hospital is equally important. Opt for a hospital that has a strong track record in orthopedic and neurosurgical care. International accreditations and certifications are indicators of quality and safety standards. Furthermore, consider hospitals that offer comprehensive patient support, including language assistance, personalized care, and transparent pricing to ensure a smooth medical tourism experience.
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.
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Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
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