About Spinal Tumor Decompression
Key Highlights
-
Relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, alleviating pain and neurological symptoms.Aims to preserve or restore neurological function, including mobility and sensation.Can prevent further, potentially irreversible, damage to the spinal cord.May be performed using minimally invasive techniques for reduced tissue trauma and faster recovery.Often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include radiation or chemotherapy for malignant tumors.Utilizes advanced technology like intraoperative neuromonitoring to enhance surgical safety and precision./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the limbs.
- Severe, intractable back or neck pain unresponsive to conservative management.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (cauda equina syndrome).
- Evidence of spinal cord compression on MRI or CT scans.
- Progressive spinal instability or deformity caused by the tumor.
- Need for a tissue biopsy to definitively diagnose the tumor type.
- Failure of non-surgical treatments like radiation or steroids to halt symptom progression.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including detailed MRI/CT scans and possibly a biopsy.
- Complete medical history review and physical/neurological examination.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion with the surgical and anesthesia team about the procedure, risks, and expectations.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the surgery.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation for discharge.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Neurological risks: Worsening of neurological deficits, new numbness or weakness, or paralysis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional treatment.
- Damage to surrounding structures like nerves, blood vessels, or the dura mater.
- Spinal instability, potentially requiring a fusion surgery in the future.
- Recurrence of the tumor, especially if not fully resectable.
- Pain at the surgical site or persistent chronic pain.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological status, pain management, and wound care.
- Mobilization with assistance, often starting within a day, guided by a physiotherapist.
- Wearing a spinal brace may be recommended for support and stability.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications, gradually transitioning to over-the-counter options.
- Incision care instructions to prevent infection, with follow-up for stitch/staples removal.
- Gradual return to activities; heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for several weeks/months.
- Ongoing physiotherapy to rebuild strength, flexibility, and proper body mechanics.
- Regular follow-up appointments and imaging (MRI) to monitor healing and check for tumor recurrence.
-
Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
-
Expected recovery time: 6 weeks to 6 months (for full recovery and return to normal activities; varies significantly based on procedure complexity and patient health)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spinal tumor decompression in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spinal tumor decompression in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, 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 tumor decompression. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons 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 tumor decompression compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 1.2 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 6 weeks to 6 months (for full recovery and return to normal activities; varies significantly based on procedure complexity and patient health) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 4.2 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 6 weeks to 6 months (for full recovery and return to normal activities; varies significantly based on procedure complexity and patient health) | Know More |
Top hospitals for Spinal Tumor Decompression in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal tumor decompression.
Amit Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Amit Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two young children, had always been active. Over the past eight months, he experienced a gradual but relentless decline. It began with a persistent ache in his mid-back, which he dismissed as poor posture from long hours at his desk. Then came the tingling and numbness in his abdomen and legs, followed by a disturbing loss of balance that made playing with his kids a cautious affair. Simple tasks like buttoning his shirt became frustratingly difficult. An MRI revealed a benign but compressive meningioma at the T8-T9 level of his spine. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that the tumor was pressing on his spinal cord, causing the neurological deficits. Without surgery, he risked permanent paralysis. Amit was terrified, not just of the surgery, but of the possibility of not being able to provide for or play with his family. The spinal tumor decompression surgery was long, but successful. The immediate relief of the pressure was profound. Post-op, Amit faced a challenging but determined recovery in the hospital, relearning to walk with support. Six months later, after rigorous physiotherapy, the numbness has significantly receded, his balance is restored, and he is back to work part-time. The emotional weight of fear has lifted, replaced by immense gratitude and a newfound appreciation for every step he takes with his children. He feels he has been given a second chance at the active family life he cherishes.
Spine surgeons for Spinal Tumor Decompression
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform spinal tumor decompression and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon