Spinal Tumor Surgery Treatment in India
About Spinal Tumor Surgery
Key Highlights
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Provides definitive diagnosis through biopsy and histopathological analysis.Alleviates debilitating pain, numbness, and neurological symptoms caused by spinal compression.Aims to prevent permanent spinal cord or nerve damage and potential paralysis.Can be curative for some benign tumors or improve quality of life and longevity for malignant ones.Utilizes advanced technology like intraoperative neuromonitoring, navigation, and microscopes for precision.Minimally invasive techniques may be available, leading to smaller incisions and faster recovery./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control.
- Intractable pain that does not respond to conservative treatments like medication or radiation.
- Spinal instability or pathological fracture due to tumor erosion of the vertebrae.
- Need for a tissue diagnosis when the tumor type is unknown.
- Tumor growth observed on follow-up MRI or CT scans despite non-surgical treatment.
- Significant spinal cord or nerve root compression (spinal stenosis) threatening function.
- Radio-resistant tumors that do not shrink with radiation therapy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including detailed MRI, CT, and sometimes PET scans to map the tumor.
- Medical clearance from relevant specialists (oncologist, cardiologist) to assess fitness for major surgery.
- Pre-operative embolization may be scheduled for highly vascular tumors to reduce bleeding risk.
- Discussion of anesthesia risks and the procedure plan with the anesthesiologist and surgical team.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, NSAIDs) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per hospital protocol.
- Arranging for post-operative support and rehabilitation planning.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Neurological risks: new or worsened weakness, numbness, paralysis, or loss of bowel/bladder function.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional repair.
- Damage to surrounding structures like blood vessels or nerves.
- Spinal instability, potentially requiring a fusion procedure with instrumentation (rods/screws).
- Incomplete tumor resection or recurrence, especially with malignant or invasive tumors.
- Persistent pain or the development of post-laminectomy syndrome.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay involves close monitoring in a specialized unit, pain management, and mobilization with assistance.
- A brace or cervical collar may be prescribed to support the spine during initial healing.
- Incision care instructions will be provided to prevent infection.
- Physical therapy begins gradually to rebuild strength, mobility, and proper body mechanics.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial for wound checks, suture removal, and monitoring neurological status.
- Activity restrictions (no heavy lifting, twisting, or bending) will be advised for several weeks to months.
- Long-term follow-up includes periodic imaging (MRI) to monitor for tumor recurrence.
- Adjuvant treatments like radiation or chemotherapy may be recommended based on the final pathology report.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
6 weeks to 6 months for initial recovery; full recovery and return to all activities may take up to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spinal tumor surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spinal tumor surgery 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 surgery. 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 surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 3,854 – USD 16,518 | 5-10 days | ~ 6 weeks to 6 months for initial recovery; full recovery and return to all activities may take up to a year. | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,685 – USD 122,934 | 5-10 days | ~ 6 weeks to 6 months for initial recovery; full recovery and return to all activities may take up to a year. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Spinal Tumor Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal tumor surgery.
Chennai, India
250 Doctors
Krishna Kumar, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher...
Krishna Kumar, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher from Chennai, had always been active, tending to his small garden and taking morning walks. Over six months, he developed a persistent, deep ache in his mid-back that he initially dismissed as arthritis. The pain became sharp and shooting, radiating around his ribs, and was accompanied by a disturbing numbness in his abdomen. Simple tasks like bending to water his plants became agonizing. An MRI revealed a benign, slow-growing spinal tumor (a meningioma) compressing his thoracic spinal cord. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that while the tumor was not cancerous, its location was dangerous and surgery was necessary to prevent permanent nerve damage and potential paralysis. Krishna was terrified; the thought of surgery on his spine filled him with dread for his future independence. The procedure, a posterior thoracic laminectomy for tumor resection, went smoothly. The first days of recovery in the hospital were difficult, with pain and fear of movement. However, with dedicated physiotherapy, the girdle-like numbness began to fade. After three months of careful rehabilitation, the radiating pain was gone, replaced only by manageable surgical soreness. Krishna felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude. He could garden again, his hands steady, and walk without fear. The experience left him with a deep appreciation for his regained autonomy and a cautious but optimistic outlook.
Spine surgeons for Spinal Tumor Surgery
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform spinal tumor surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
- 22 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata