Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) is a type of spinal surgery aimed at treating degenerative disc diseases, spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, and other conditions affecting the lumbar spine. This technique is designed to stabilize the spine, alleviate chronic lower back pain, and restore proper spinal alignment by promoting the fusion of vertebrae. During the procedure, the surgeon accesses the spine from the posterior (back) side, removes the damaged disc, and inserts a bone graft or interbody cage to facilitate fusion.
In PLIF, the surgeon begins by making an incision in the lower back, allowing access to the affected vertebrae. Once the damaged intervertebral disc is located, it is removed, and the disc space is prepared for the placement of bone graft material. This bone graft material can be autograft (from the patient's body), allograft (donor bone), or synthetic substitutes. Interbody cages made of titanium, carbon fiber, or other biocompatible materials may also be used to support the disc space and promote fusion.
The goal of PLIF is to fuse the vertebrae across the affected disc space, eliminating motion that causes pain and instability. Over time, the bone graft fuses with the vertebrae, forming a single solid bone. This surgical technique is commonly performed for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or minimally invasive interventions.
Procedure Duration
The length of a PLIF surgery typically ranges from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the condition and the number of vertebrae involved. The procedure begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia. Once the patient is positioned face down, the surgeon makes a midline incision in the lower back to access the affected vertebrae. Special retractors are used to provide a clear view of the spine, and a portion of the bone and ligaments are removed to reach the disc space.
After disc removal, the surgeon carefully prepares the disc space and inserts the bone graft or cage, ensuring proper alignment and stability. Screws and rods may also be used to secure the vertebrae and facilitate fusion. Once the instrumentation is in place, the surgical site is closed, and the patient is taken to the recovery room. While the surgical phase may last a few hours, the overall duration of the hospital stay may range from 3 to 7 days, depending on the patient's condition and recovery rate.
The recovery period following PLIF is crucial for successful fusion. Patients may need to wear a brace or support for a few weeks to months to promote healing and limit movement. Initial postoperative recovery may take 6-12 weeks, but full recovery and bone fusion can take up to 6-12 months. Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a vital role in regaining strength and mobility while minimizing the risk of complications.
Benefits
- Pain Relief: PLIF can significantly reduce or eliminate chronic lower back pain caused by spinal instability or degenerative disc disease.
- Restored Stability: The fusion of the vertebrae helps to restore spinal alignment and stability, allowing for improved posture and movement.
- Increased Mobility: By stabilizing the spine, patients often experience enhanced mobility and functionality, enabling them to resume daily activities more comfortably.
- Long-Term Solution: Unlike conservative treatments, PLIF offers a long-term solution by addressing the underlying cause of pain through spinal fusion.
- High Success Rate: PLIF has a high success rate for carefully selected patients, with many experiencing substantial pain relief and improved quality of life.
Potential Destinations for PLIF
- India: India has a well-established medical tourism sector, offering highly skilled spinal surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities. Cost-effective treatment packages and comprehensive rehabilitation services make it an attractive option for those seeking PLIF.
- Thailand: Thailand is known for its advanced healthcare system, experienced orthopedic surgeons, and warm hospitality. Patients can expect top-notch care in hospitals equipped with the latest technology, often at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
- Mexico: With its proximity to North America, Mexico has become a popular destination for PLIF surgery. The country boasts internationally accredited hospitals, skilled surgeons, and affordable care, making it an ideal choice for medical tourists looking for high-quality treatment close to home.
- Turkey: Turkey has rapidly emerged as a leading destination for spinal surgeries, including PLIF. The country offers a blend of experienced spinal specialists, cutting-edge medical facilities, and competitive pricing, attracting patients from Europe and beyond.
- Malaysia: Malaysia's healthcare system is recognized for its high standards, English-speaking medical professionals, and advanced surgical techniques. The country's strategic location and affordability make it a preferred choice for those seeking PLIF surgery and rehabilitation in Southeast Asia.
Risks & Considerations
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site or in the deeper tissues. Proper wound care and following postoperative instructions are essential for minimizing this risk.
- Nerve Damage: Since the surgery involves operating near the spinal cord and nerves, there is a potential risk of nerve injury, which could lead to numbness, weakness, or pain in the legs.
- Non-Fusion or Pseudarthrosis: In some cases, the bone graft may not fuse properly, leading to non-fusion (pseudarthrosis). This may require additional surgery to achieve a solid fusion.
- Implant Failure or Breakage: The screws, rods, or cages used in PLIF can occasionally break or shift, which may necessitate further surgical intervention.
- Adjacent Segment Degeneration: Fusion of one spinal segment may lead to increased stress on the adjacent segments, potentially causing degeneration and pain in those areas over time.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When seeking PLIF surgery abroad, it's crucial to thoroughly research and evaluate potential doctors and hospitals. Look for spine surgeons with extensive experience and specialization in lumbar fusion procedures. Checking their credentials, certifications, and patient reviews can provide valuable insight into their expertise and success rates. Additionally, hospitals with international accreditation or recognition for their orthopedic or spinal surgery departments often maintain high standards of care.
Ensure that the chosen hospital is equipped with advanced imaging, surgical, and postoperative care facilities. Comprehensive care before, during, and after the surgery is essential for optimal outcomes. Clear communication, transparent pricing, and a supportive environment for international patients are all factors to consider when making your 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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Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
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