Cervical & Lumbar Spine
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Cervical and lumbar spine procedures are crucial interventions for addressing spinal pathologies that can impact one's quality of life. The cervical spine is composed of seven vertebrae in the neck region, while the lumbar spine includes the five vertebrae in the lower back. Together, they play a critical role in supporting the body's structure and facilitating movement. When issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or traumatic injuries affect these regions, cervical and lumbar spine procedures become essential to restore function and alleviate pain.
Cervical Spine Procedures
The cervical spine controls neck movements, supports the head, and allows for a range of motion, including flexion, extension, and rotation. When conditions like disc herniation or nerve compression arise, common procedures such as cervical discectomy, fusion, and artificial disc replacement may be performed. The goal is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and stabilize the spine, thereby improving function and reducing pain.
Lumbar Spine Procedures
The lumbar spine bears much of the body's weight, and as a result, it is more susceptible to wear and tear over time. Lumbar procedures focus on the lower back and are aimed at conditions like lumbar disc herniation, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Lumbar discectomy, laminectomy, and fusion are among the typical surgeries to correct these issues. The main objectives of these procedures include decompression of the nerves, stabilization of the spine, and pain relief.
These procedures can be minimally invasive or open surgeries, depending on the condition's severity, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon's expertise. Advancements in spinal surgery have increasingly moved towards less invasive techniques that promote quicker recovery and less postoperative pain.
Procedure Duration
The duration of cervical and lumbar spine procedures depends on the type and complexity of the surgery being performed. Generally, these procedures range from 1 to 5 hours. Below is a breakdown of the typical stages and recovery expectations:
Intraoperative Phase
For minimally invasive procedures such as microdiscectomy, the surgery can take between 1 to 2 hours. However, more complex surgeries like spinal fusion, which involves the joining of two or more vertebrae, may last between 3 to 5 hours. The duration can also be affected by factors such as anesthesia type, preexisting conditions, and the extent of spinal damage.
Postoperative Hospitalization and Recovery
Immediately following the surgery, patients are closely monitored in a recovery room for a few hours. For less complex procedures, patients may be discharged within 24-48 hours. For more invasive procedures, such as multi-level fusion, hospitalization may last between 3 to 7 days, depending on the patient’s recovery progress. During this time, pain management, physical therapy, and careful monitoring are crucial to ensure there are no complications.
Long-term Rehabilitation and Healing
Recovery time varies based on the extent of the procedure and the patient's condition. Minimally invasive spine surgeries generally allow patients to return to daily activities within 4-6 weeks. On the other hand, more extensive procedures like fusion may require a longer recovery period of 3-6 months. Full recovery may take up to a year, with ongoing physical therapy playing a significant role in regaining mobility and strength.
Benefits
- Pain Relief: Effective in relieving chronic back and neck pain caused by nerve compression, herniated discs, and degenerative conditions.
- Improved Mobility: Restores spinal function and enhances the patient's range of motion and overall mobility.
- Minimally Invasive Options: Many modern spine procedures are minimally invasive, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and quicker recovery times.
- Improved Quality of Life: Addressing spinal pathologies can lead to significant improvements in the patient's quality of life, enabling them to return to their normal activities.
- Prevention of Future Complications: Timely intervention can prevent the progression of spinal issues and avert further complications such as nerve damage.
Potential Destinations
1. Germany
Germany is renowned for its advanced healthcare system, with state-of-the-art spine surgery facilities and highly experienced spine surgeons. The country is well-equipped for both minimally invasive and open spine procedures, making it a preferred destination for medical tourists seeking high-quality care.
2. India
India has become a hub for spinal treatments due to its combination of highly skilled surgeons, affordable costs, and hospitals accredited by international healthcare organizations. Medical tourists frequently choose India for spinal surgeries, as the country offers comprehensive packages that include postoperative care and rehabilitation.
3. Turkey
Turkey is known for its modern healthcare infrastructure and competitive pricing for complex spine surgeries. With advanced technology and international patient services, medical tourists find Turkey an attractive destination for high-quality, cost-effective spinal care.
4. South Korea
South Korea boasts some of the world's most advanced medical technologies and treatment protocols for spine procedures. The country is recognized for its expertise in minimally invasive spine surgeries, offering swift recovery and excellent outcomes, making it a popular choice for medical tourists.
5. Thailand
Thailand has established itself as a top destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality spinal procedures at affordable prices. The country's hospitals provide comprehensive services, including preoperative consultations, surgical interventions, and postoperative care, all within luxurious facilities designed to cater to international patients.
Risks & Considerations
- Infection Risk: Although rare, any surgical procedure carries the risk of infection, which can prolong recovery and require further intervention.
- Nerve Damage: As spine surgeries involve delicate nerves, there is a potential risk of nerve injury, which could result in numbness, weakness, or paralysis.
- Blood Clots: Postoperative immobility can increase the risk of developing blood clots in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Implant Complications: In fusion surgeries, the implants (plates, rods, or screws) may cause complications, such as shifting or breakage, which might necessitate revision surgery.
- Incomplete Symptom Relief: Some patients may not experience complete relief from symptoms, and in certain cases, persistent pain or new symptoms may develop after surgery.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When considering cervical and lumbar spine procedures, selecting a qualified surgeon and reputable hospital is vital. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified in spine surgery, has substantial experience in performing the specific procedure you need, and is knowledgeable in the latest minimally invasive techniques. Ask about their track record with similar cases, as well as their complication and success rates.
The hospital should be equipped with advanced medical technology, have a strong reputation for patient safety and care quality, and provide comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation services. Considering hospitals with international accreditations can be a good indicator of quality care, as these accreditations ensure adherence to high standards in healthcare delivery.
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
