Medical Tourism

Cervical Disc Replacement is a spine surgery for patients with cervical/neck pain due to degenerative disc diseases like slipped disc in the neck or cervical spondylosis. Although cervical disc replacement has been used extensively in Europe for quite some time now, the first cervical disc system got FDA approval only in 2007. When medication, rest and exercise don’t help, patients may be advised to undergo surgery. Cervical surgery centers in India may be a good option for patients concerned about high cervical disc replacement costs in the USA.

Prior to surgery, a cervical disc replacement candidate should have tried at least six months of non-surgical options like medication, rest, physiotherapy, etc. Also, cervical disk replacement should be conducted only at specialized spine surgery centers.

Pre-operative Care/Factors to Consider Before Cervical Disc Replacement

• Understand the benefits and risks of cervical spine surgery. It will help you be mentally prepared and have realistic expectations from the surgery. A study in the UK showed that 65% who had one cervical disc replaced, and 77% who had surgery at two sites in the neck, rated the improvement in their symptoms as ‘excellent’. Tests showed that the muscle strength and sensations in the neck and arm had improved in these patients. On the other hand, some of the risks or after-effects of neck surgery include temporary hoarse voice (13%), moderate problems with swallowing (4%) and temporary paralysis of the nerves to the voicebox (4%). Also, not everyone may completely get rid of pain after cervical disc replacement, though there may be significant reduction in pain.

• Inform your surgeon of any medications that you take on a regular basis. Some of these may interfere with anesthesia or cause other complications, so the spine surgeon may ask you to discontinue some for the time being or modify the doses of some others.

• The surgeon may advise you to practise aerobics, stretching and breathing exercises well in advance, so that your body is in the best possible condition before surgery.

• You may need to work with a physiotherapist before surgery, so that you know the proper ways to move post-surgery. This will be necessary to minimize dislocation risks.

• Quit, or at least, cut down smoking well in advance of the surgery. It will help you recover faster.

• Prepare your home and stock up on easy to prepare foods and other essentials. Place the phone, utensils, clothes, shoes and other frequently used things in such a way that you can reach them without much of bending or stretching.

• Since you will not be able to do physical work for some time after surgery, arrange for someone to take care of the daily chores once you go back home. Also, arrange with someone to drive you back when you are discharged from the hospital

• Minimally invasive disc replacement surgery generally does not involve much of blood loss. However you may need to donate your own blood before surgery for autologous transfusion, just in case of an emergency. Using your own blood safeguards you from risks like contracting HIV. If blood donation is needed, you will be given nutritional supplements like iron and calcium to restore your blood balance.

• Blood pressure, blood glucose levels and other routine tests are conducted  a week to ten days before surgery.

• You will be admitted to the hospital in the morning on the day of the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after your dinner on the day prior to surgery.

Post-operative Care for Cervical Disk Replacement

• Artificial disks for the neck are less invasive compared to many other back surgeries. Hence, most patients can leave the hospital in two days after surgery.

• You will be encouraged to move around a few hours after surgery. This is to prevent clots.

• The incision site may be painful for a few days. Pain medications will be given to give you relief.

• Patients are given a soft collar to protect the neck.

• A three-week rest is generally advised before returning to sedentary work. Strenuous physical work should be avoided for at least six weeks post-surgery.

• If the patient had severely restricted neck mobility prior to surgery, he/she may need physiotherapy after surgery to reintroduce movement.

• Your neurosurgeon will develop a customized post-operative recovery and exercise plan for you. Sticking to this plan is the key to your recovery.

• Patient needs to be in touch with his/her surgeon for a considerable time after surgery for follow-up checks. Four to five months of medical monitoring is mandatory.

• If you develop fever after the surgery, notify your doctor.

Travelling Post-Cervical Disk Replacement

Patients, who have had their cervical disc replacement abroad, must consult their doctor on when they can travel back.

Medical Tourism Corporation’s package for cervical disc replacement abroad includes a 8-10 day stay at the hospital. This feature has been included keeping in mind the recuperation period required before a long flight home. Also, we have special arrangements with a choice of hotels just in case additional recuperation time is advised before flying back.

Pre- and post-operative care are crucial for the success of any surgery and cervical disc replacement is no exception. The tips given here are only indicative. Your health professional will discuss this matter with you in detail.

Neurosurgeons/Spine Surgeons in India

Dr K N Krishna: He was instrumental in setting up the Brain and Spine Centre at Wockhardt Hospitals, Bangalore. Dr Krishna has wide-ranging experience from neuro-oncology to spine surgeries.

Dr Sajan Hegde: He heads the Spine Unit at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, and is the first Indian to receive the prestigious Cotrel Spine Fellowship.

Dr. D V Rajakumar: He has over two decades of experience in conducting and pioneering complex procedures of brain and spine.

Dr Yash Gulati: He is an orthopedic and spine surgery with training in England and Ireland for more than 6 years. Apart from that, he has many fellowships and courses in India, the US, Germany, and Australia, to his credit.

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