Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a condition that refers to the persistence of back pain or the onset of new pain following spinal surgery. This term is used when the anticipated results of back surgery, such as spinal fusion, laminectomy, or discectomy, do not alleviate the patient's symptoms. While the surgery may have successfully corrected a structural issue, it does not always resolve the underlying pain, which can leave patients frustrated and in chronic discomfort. FBSS can occur after any spinal operation but is most common in lumbar surgeries aimed at treating herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc diseases.

There are several reasons why a patient may experience FBSS. One of the most common causes is nerve damage during surgery or the incomplete removal of disc material that continues to irritate spinal nerves. In some cases, the original diagnosis may have been incorrect, and surgery was performed on the wrong area of the spine. Another possibility is the development of scar tissue, which can compress nerves and cause ongoing pain. Furthermore, some patients may develop new spinal issues, such as adjacent segment disease, which results from the added strain on the spine at the levels above and below the area that was operated on.

Treating FBSS can be complicated and varies from patient to patient. The treatment pathway typically includes conservative, non-surgical approaches, such as physical therapy, medications, and spinal injections. However, in more severe cases, revision surgery may be necessary to correct any mechanical or structural issues. In addition, advanced pain management techniques, including spinal cord stimulation and radiofrequency ablation, are often employed to help patients manage chronic pain.

Procedure Duration

FBSS itself is not a standalone procedure but rather the outcome of previous surgeries. The management and treatment of FBSS, however, can involve various procedures, each with its own duration and recovery period. For patients undergoing revision surgery, the length of the procedure will depend on the complexity of the issue being addressed. Revision surgeries, aimed at correcting problems from prior operations, can take several hours and may involve decompression or additional spinal fusion.

For non-surgical treatments, the duration varies significantly based on the therapy chosen. Physical therapy, for example, typically requires multiple sessions spread over several weeks or months. Spinal injections, such as epidural steroid injections, can be completed in a matter of minutes but often require multiple treatments to achieve the desired pain relief. In the case of spinal cord stimulation, which involves the implantation of a small device that delivers electrical impulses to the spine, the procedure may take up to two hours, followed by a trial period to determine the effectiveness of the therapy.

Recovery times for these treatments also vary. For surgical options, recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s overall health. Patients undergoing revision surgery for FBSS typically require extended physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain mobility and strength. For non-surgical treatments, recovery times are generally shorter, though the success of these treatments can differ from patient to patient. Managing FBSS often requires ongoing care and pain management strategies, and there may not be a clear “end” to the treatment process for some individuals.

Benefits

  • Reduced Pain: Many patients experience significant pain relief through a combination of surgical revisions and non-invasive therapies.
  • Improved Mobility: Correcting mechanical issues or reducing nerve compression can restore movement and physical activity levels.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Successfully managing FBSS can lead to a substantial improvement in a patient’s daily life and overall well-being.
  • Personalized Care Plans: FBSS treatments are highly individualized, allowing patients to receive tailored therapies based on their unique needs.
  • Non-Surgical Options: Many conservative treatments for FBSS, such as spinal cord stimulation and injections, provide effective relief without the need for additional surgeries.

Potential Destinations

  • Germany: Germany is known for its advanced healthcare system, with state-of-the-art facilities that specialize in treating spinal conditions. Its top-tier rehabilitation centers provide exceptional post-surgical care, making it an ideal destination for patients seeking treatment for FBSS.
  • South Korea: South Korea offers cutting-edge technology and expertise in spinal surgeries and revisions. Its healthcare facilities are known for their efficiency and success rates in complex cases like FBSS, attracting medical tourists from around the world.
  • Thailand: Renowned for its affordability and high standard of medical care, Thailand is a popular destination for spinal treatments, including revision surgeries for FBSS. Many hospitals in the country are equipped with modern technology and internationally accredited surgeons.
  • Turkey: Turkey has emerged as a leading medical tourism destination, particularly in spinal surgery and treatment for FBSS. The country’s hospitals are well-equipped, and its physicians have a reputation for handling complex spinal cases with precision and care.
  • India: India is known for offering affordable, high-quality healthcare, with specialists who are well-versed in treating spinal disorders, including FBSS. Medical tourists can benefit from comprehensive packages that include surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.

Risks & Considerations

  • Nerve Damage: Any spinal surgery carries the risk of nerve damage, which can lead to chronic pain or numbness. Revision surgeries for FBSS may increase this risk.
  • Scar Tissue Formation: Additional surgeries increase the likelihood of developing scar tissue, which can cause new nerve compression and result in ongoing pain.
  • Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, particularly in cases of revision surgery where the spine is exposed multiple times.
  • Prolonged Recovery Time: Patients undergoing revision surgery may experience longer recovery times compared to their initial operation, and may require extensive physical therapy.
  • Uncertainty of Results: FBSS is complex, and even with additional surgeries or non-surgical treatments, there is no guarantee that pain relief will be achieved.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When selecting a doctor or hospital for the treatment of FBSS, several factors should be considered to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care. First and foremost, it is crucial to choose a specialist with extensive experience in spinal surgeries and revision procedures. The complexity of FBSS requires a surgeon who is highly skilled in diagnosing the underlying issues and offering a tailored treatment plan. Medical tourists should seek out doctors who have a proven track record of successfully managing FBSS cases.

It is equally important to choose a hospital with modern facilities, advanced diagnostic tools, and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. A good hospital for FBSS treatment will offer not only surgical solutions but also comprehensive pain management options and rehabilitation services. Patients should look for hospitals that prioritize postoperative care and offer personalized rehabilitation programs to optimize recovery. Ensuring the hospital is accredited by international healthcare standards will also provide reassurance of its quality and safety.

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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