Degenerative Scoliosis

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

Degenerative scoliosis, also known as adult onset scoliosis, is a spinal deformity resulting from the progressive degeneration of the spinal discs and joints. This condition primarily affects adults over the age of 50 and can cause chronic back pain, difficulty in mobility, and functional impairments. Unlike adolescent scoliosis, which is often detected early in life, degenerative scoliosis progresses due to wear and tear on the spine, leading to a sideways curvature. This curve can cause a number of symptoms including localized back pain, sciatica, leg pain, and numbness.

The treatment for degenerative scoliosis varies based on the severity of the condition. Conservative methods include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and spinal injections to manage pain. However, in cases where symptoms worsen, patients may require surgical intervention. The goal of surgery is to stabilize the spine, correct the curvature, and alleviate nerve compression, ultimately improving a patient’s quality of life. Surgical options include decompression procedures, where parts of bone or tissue pressing on nerves are removed, and spinal fusion, where vertebrae are permanently joined to correct the curvature and prevent further degeneration.

Spinal fusion is often the go-to procedure for more severe cases of degenerative scoliosis. This involves fusing two or more vertebrae to maintain spine stability. In recent years, minimally invasive surgical techniques have advanced, allowing for shorter recovery times and improved outcomes. The surgery may involve using rods, screws, and bone grafts to achieve spinal stability and is performed by a specialist in spine surgery, typically an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.

Procedure Duration

The duration of treatment for degenerative scoliosis depends on the chosen approach. If conservative treatment is effective, the patient may undergo months of physical therapy, periodic injections, and pain management without the need for surgery. However, when surgical intervention is necessary, the phases of the procedure vary based on complexity and individual patient needs.

Surgical Duration: A spinal fusion surgery for degenerative scoliosis generally lasts between 4 to 8 hours. More complex cases, requiring multi-level fusion or correction of severe curvatures, may take longer. During the surgery, the surgeon will make incisions along the spine, access the affected vertebrae, and perform the necessary corrections. If a minimally invasive approach is used, smaller incisions and specialized instruments can reduce the length of the procedure.

Hospital Stay and Recovery Time: After surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. The recovery period is crucial, as the patient is closely monitored for any complications such as infection, nerve damage, or improper healing. Once discharged, the recovery continues at home and involves pain management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. The complete recovery time may range from 6 weeks to 6 months, with patients gradually resuming normal activities as the fusion solidifies.

Follow-Up and Rehabilitation: Postoperative care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients usually require follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to assess healing, spinal alignment, and any ongoing symptoms. A tailored rehabilitation program, including physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the spine, is part of the long-term recovery and helps restore mobility and improve quality of life.

Benefits

  • Pain Relief: Correcting spinal misalignment can significantly alleviate back and leg pain associated with nerve compression.
  • Improved Mobility: Realigning the spine restores balance and enhances the patient's ability to move without discomfort.
  • Prevention of Further Degeneration: Stabilizing the spine through surgery can prevent additional curvature progression and associated symptoms.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduced pain and improved mobility lead to greater daily comfort and ability to participate in activities.
  • Cosmetic Improvement: Straightening the spine not only improves function but also enhances posture and body appearance.

Potential Destinations

  • Germany: Germany is known for its advanced orthopedic care and expertise in spine surgery. The country's state-of-the-art hospitals, specialized surgeons, and use of cutting-edge technology make it a top destination for patients seeking scoliosis treatment.
  • Turkey: A growing hub for medical tourism, Turkey offers high-quality spine care at competitive prices. Renowned hospitals and highly trained surgeons offer comprehensive care, often combined with minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery.
  • India: India has become a preferred choice for spine surgery due to its experienced specialists, affordable treatment options, and quality medical facilities. The country's healthcare infrastructure ensures efficient surgical procedures with excellent post-operative care.
  • South Korea: South Korea is recognized for its advancements in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation. The country boasts highly skilled surgeons, modern medical equipment, and personalized patient care, making it an attractive destination for degenerative scoliosis treatment.
  • Thailand: With its affordable healthcare system and luxury rehabilitation centers, Thailand is a favorite for medical tourists seeking spine surgery. The country's hospitals are equipped with world-class technology and offer an integrated approach to recovery, including holistic therapy options.

Risks & Considerations

  • Infection: Post-surgical infection is a possible complication that requires antibiotic treatment and can prolong recovery.
  • Nerve Damage: The proximity of nerves to the surgical site means there's a risk of nerve injury, which can lead to numbness, weakness, or paralysis.
  • Non-Union of Fusion: In some cases, the bones may not fuse properly, leading to instability or the need for additional surgery.
  • Blood Clots: Surgery, particularly on the spine, can increase the risk of developing blood clots in the legs or lungs, which require prompt medical attention.
  • Chronic Pain or Limited Mobility: Although surgery aims to improve symptoms, some patients may continue to experience chronic pain, stiffness, or limited mobility even after recovery.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When selecting a healthcare provider for degenerative scoliosis treatment, consider a doctor who specializes in spine surgery and has extensive experience with spinal fusion and other corrective procedures. Board certification, years of practice, and patient reviews are all indicators of expertise. It’s important to choose a surgeon who is not only skilled but also one who takes a comprehensive approach to care, including preoperative assessment, surgical planning, and postoperative rehabilitation.

Equally important is the choice of hospital or clinic. Look for facilities that have accreditation from reputable health organizations, modern surgical equipment, and a multidisciplinary team to support pre- and post-surgical care. Understanding the hospital’s success rates, safety protocols, and aftercare services will help in making an informed decision.

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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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.

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