About Lumbar Fenestration
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions.Preserves more of the natural spinal structure compared to traditional laminectomy.Targeted relief of nerve compression causing leg pain (sciatica).Typically results in less post-operative pain and blood loss.Often allows for a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.Lower risk of post-operative spinal instability./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Lumbar disc herniation causing persistent leg pain (radiculopathy).
- Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) affecting a specific nerve root.
- Foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the nerve exit hole).
- Failed conservative management (e.g., physical therapy, epidural injections, medications) over 6-12 weeks.
- Progressive neurological deficits like leg weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control (cauda equina syndrome - a surgical emergency).
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging (MRI/CT).
- Discussion of all current medications; may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) several days prior.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for 6-12 hours before the surgery.
- Arranging for transportation and post-operative assistance at home.
- Pre-operative counseling with the neurosurgeon to understand risks, benefits, and expectations.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve injury, potentially leading to worsened pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require further treatment.
- Recurrence of disc herniation or symptoms.
- Damage to the dura (the membrane covering the spinal cord).
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Rarely, injury to abdominal structures.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is usually short, often 1-2 days for monitoring and initial pain management.
- Incision care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry; watch for signs of infection.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, twisting, and bending for several weeks. Gradual walking is encouraged.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Follow-up with the surgeon to monitor healing and remove sutures/staples.
- Typically, a course of physical therapy is started after the initial healing phase to strengthen core and back muscles.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering lumbar fenestration in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for lumbar fenestration 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 lumbar fenestration. 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 lumbar fenestration compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 350 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.23 Million | 1-2 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity | Know More |
Top hospitals for Lumbar Fenestration in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing lumbar fenestration.
Sai Williams, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Sai Williams, a 42-year-old software engineer and avid rock climber, had been struggling with debilitating lower back pain and sciatica down his right leg for over a year. The pain, a constant burning and numbness, started after a minor fall at the climbing gym. It progressed to the point where he could no longer sit at his desk for more than 20 minutes or pursue his passion. Conservative treatments, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and medications, provided only fleeting relief. An MRI revealed a large, extruded disc fragment at L4-L5, severely compressing the nerve root. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, recommended a minimally invasive lumbar fenestration to remove the disc fragment and decompress the nerve, explaining it as a 'keyhole' surgery with a faster recovery. Sai was terrified of spine surgery but desperate to reclaim his life. The procedure itself was quick, under general anesthesia. Waking up, the sharp, shooting leg pain was immediately gone, replaced by surgical soreness. His recovery involved careful movement and core-strengthening physio. Within six weeks, he was back at work full-time, and at three months, he tentatively returned to the climbing wall. Emotionally, he journeyed from a state of frustrated, pain-dominated despair to one of cautious optimism and profound gratitude, feeling like he had been given a second chance at an active life.
Neurosurgeons for Lumbar Fenestration
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform lumbar fenestration 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