About Spinal Cord Surgery
Key Highlights
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Performed by highly specialized neurosurgeons with expertise in the nervous system.Utilizes advanced technology like intraoperative neuromonitoring to enhance safety.Aims to directly address the source of pain, paralysis, or neurological deficits.Can prevent further neurological damage and stabilize the spinal column.Offers the potential for significant improvement in quality of life and functional independence.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe spinal cord compression from herniated discs or bone spurs (spinal stenosis).
- Traumatic spinal cord injury requiring decompression or stabilization.
- Tumors within or pressing on the spinal cord (intramedullary or extramedullary).
- Progressive neurological deficits like worsening weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
- Spinal instability or deformity (e.g., from severe scoliosis or spondylolisthesis).
- Infection or abscess (epidural abscess) affecting the spinal canal.
- Syringomyelia (a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging studies (MRI, CT scan).
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of medical history, including all medications; some (like blood thinners) may need to be paused.
- Pre-operative counseling to set realistic expectations about outcomes and recovery.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as instructed by the surgical team.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation for discharge.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, or blood clots.
- Neurological risks: Worsening of pre-existing deficits, new nerve damage, paralysis, or chronic pain.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional treatment.
- Hardware-related complications if implants are used (e.g., loosening or failure).
- Incomplete relief of symptoms or recurrence of the original condition.
- Risks associated with prolonged immobility, such as pneumonia or pressure sores.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a hospital setting with close neurological monitoring for 1-3 days.
- Pain management with medications and early, careful mobilization as tolerated.
- Physical and occupational therapy often begins in the hospital and continues outpatient.
- Incision care instructions to prevent infection; keeping the wound dry as advised.
- Avoiding heavy lifting, twisting, or strenuous activity for several weeks to months.
- Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon for wound checks and assessment of recovery progress.
- Gradual return to normal activities based on the surgeon's guidance and the specific procedure performed.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 weeks to 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spinal cord surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spinal cord surgery 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 spinal cord surgery. 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 spinal cord surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Spinal Cord Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal cord surgery.
Reyansh Sharma, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Reyansh Sharma, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had always been active. Over the past year, he developed a persistent, burning pain in his lower back and left leg, followed by a disturbing numbness in his foot. His morning runs became impossible, and he struggled to sit through work meetings. An MRI revealed a large, herniated disc at the L4-L5 level, severely compressing his spinal nerve. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Kapoor, explained that conservative treatments had failed and recommended a minimally invasive microdiscectomy to relieve the pressure. Terrified of surgery near his spine but desperate to regain his life, Reyansh agreed. The procedure went smoothly. The immediate relief from the searing leg pain was profound. After a cautious recovery with physical therapy, he gradually returned to walking and light exercise. Emotionally, he journeyed from fear and frustration, feeling like a burden to his family, to immense gratitude and a renewed appreciation for his health, now cherishing pain-free moments with his children.
Neurosurgeons for Spinal Cord Surgery
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform spinal cord surgery 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