About Decompressive Duraplasty
Key Highlights
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Effectively relieves pressure on the brain and spinal cord.Can halt the progression of neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, and pain.May prevent further damage to neural tissues from chronic compression.Often improves cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, resolving associated conditions like syringomyelia.Can be a definitive surgical solution for certain structural abnormalities like Chiari malformation.
Who is this surgery for?
- Symptomatic Chiari Malformation Type I with significant brainstem or spinal cord compression.
- Syringomyelia (a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord) causing progressive neurological deficits.
- Persistent intracranial hypertension not responsive to medical management.
- Certain cases of traumatic brain injury with refractory elevated intracranial pressure.
- Post-operative scarring (arachnoiditis) or adhesions causing CSF flow obstruction and neural compression.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging studies (MRI, CT scan) to precisely locate the area of compression.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess overall fitness for surgery.
- Discussion with the neurosurgeon about the procedure's goals, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the medical team.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the scheduled surgery time.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or meningitis.
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) or formation of a hematoma.
- Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF leak), which may require further treatment.
- Damage to surrounding neural structures, potentially leading to new or worsened neurological deficits.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), adverse reactions to anesthesia, or general surgical risks.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital's neurosurgical intensive care unit for close monitoring of neurological status.
- Pain management with prescribed medications; headaches are common initially.
- Instructions to avoid straining, heavy lifting, and bending for several weeks to prevent CSF leak.
- Incision care to keep the wound clean and dry, with follow-up for suture or staple removal.
- Gradual return to normal activities as tolerated, with full recovery of strength and stamina taking time. Regular follow-up imaging may be scheduled.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering decompressive duraplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for decompressive duraplasty in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform decompressive duraplasty. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for decompressive duraplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Decompressive Duraplasty in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing decompressive duraplasty.
Anika Verma, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Anika Verma, a 28-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, had been a competitive classical dancer since childhood. Over the past two years, she experienced worsening episodes of debilitating headaches, neck pain, and a shocking loss of coordination in her legs during performances. An MRI revealed Chiari Malformation Type I, where her cerebellar tonsils were herniating into her spinal canal, compressing her brainstem and spinal cord. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that a Decompressive Duraplasty was necessary to create more space, relieve the pressure, and halt the progression of her neurological symptoms. Anika was terrified of brain surgery and grieved the potential end of her dance career. The procedure involved removing a small piece of skull bone and opening the dura (the brain's covering), then patching it with a graft to create a larger, fluid-filled space. Post-surgery, she faced a tough recovery with significant neck pain and fatigue, but the crushing headaches were gone. After six months of dedicated physiotherapy, she regained her strength and coordination. While she no longer competes professionally, she can dance for joy again. Emotionally, she moved from fear and loss to profound gratitude for her restored quality of life and a new perspective on her identity beyond dance.
Neurosurgeons for Decompressive Duraplasty
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform decompressive duraplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada