Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system. There are various medical conditions that warrant surgical intervention. The most common problems for which people seek treatment are back pain. These may range from sciatica-like pain to spinal disk injuries. Find Health in Ecuador provides optimum services to those living in Cuenca, Ecuador, addressing common problems in neurology. Find Health in Ecuador offers surgical treatment modalities such as Discectomy, Cervical Disc Replacement, and Spinal Fusion, guaranteeing a safe and optimal recuperation.
Types of Surgeries
- Discectomy: Discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the portion of the spinal disk that has protruded or extended beyond the normal confines, pressing against the nerve within the spinal canal. The nerves are carefully retracted to expose the ruptured disc, and the disk is carefully removed in pieces.
- Cervical Disk Replacement: A surgical procedure that involves shrinking disk herniation, ruptured disks, or the presence of bone spurs (bony growths in the vertebrae) that narrow the vertebral canal and put pressure on the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves, causing neck pain and upper extremity numbness.
- Spinal Fusion: Spinal Fusion is a surgical procedure performed on the spine to weld two or more vertebrae together using surgical hardware or a bone graft material.
- Conditions Requiring Surgery: Disorders of the spine such as misalignment of the vertebral disc, nerve and spinal cord compression, as well as vertebral disc herniation, need to be addressed. Sciatica-like pain, numbness, and hyporeflexia should be assessed, and the need for surgery evaluated.
Preparation before the Surgery
The types of drugs that have been taken will be assessed prior to surgery. Herbal and alternative therapies are evaluated. Medications that prolong clotting such as Warfarin and Coumadin, as well as Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen, and the like, should be withheld prior to surgery to prevent surgical hemorrhage. Patients who are candidates for surgery will undergo Cardio Pulmonary Clearance to evaluate their cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Diabetes or Hypertension can influence the patient’s response to surgery and thus affect recuperation. Smoking and alcohol are withdrawn several days before the procedure. Patients with concomitant health problems should seek the advice of their physician regarding the decision for surgery. Postoperative exercises are explained and discussed with the patient so that he can gain understanding about the measures that can hasten recovery.
Post Operative Measures
As soon as the effect of anesthesia wears off, patients who underwent Discectomy are gently propped up from bed and are assisted to walk around. It is recommended to move the patient 24 hours after surgery to promote healing and increase circulation. Pain and any untoward manifestations are reported to the physician.
Patients who underwent spinal disk replacement are usually discharged the day after the surgery. Patients usually wear a cervical collar to prevent cervical torsion and twisting. Patients will wear the collar for about a week, depending on their physician’s advice. Slight pain and discomfort are normal immediately after surgery and usually diminish after the second and third postoperative day. Weakness, numbness, and pain around the nerves usually diminish hours after the surgery but may extend to weeks or sometimes months. A radiologic X-ray is taken to confirm the proper placement of the disk replacement device. Patients can return to their previous level of functioning after two to six weeks postoperatively.
Patients who underwent spinal fusion may need to remain in the neurology ward for three to four days. Pain management is instituted and may be in the form of oral or intravenous pain relievers. Patients may also be attached to a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) device for more controlled pain relief. Patients are taught measures to prevent twisting of the spine. Movement that can cause spinal torsion is avoided, and patients are usually log rolled when getting out of bed. Nutritional management in the form of parenteral nutrition is instituted, and the patient needs to be fed intravenously. The health team gives discharge instructions, and the patient is usually discharged with a body cast.
Possible Complications
Patients who underwent surgery in neurology may experience untoward reactions such as bleeding, infection, pain, and discomfort. Paralysis, numbness, and tingling of the extremity should be reported immediately and should not be ignored. In the event of any untoward reactions, patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, may visit Find Health in Ecuador or contact us at (07) 410-8745. Our customer service is ready to answer your questions and queries.
*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 14, 2014
