What is disc replacement surgery?
Whenever the disc between the vertebrae is damaged, it is essential to remove and replace the same to prevent any further damage to the spinal cord. Before you decide to do open surgury, you should try to do a minimally invasive lumbar decompression (Vertos Medical is the specialist in this). This will be less risky and safer.This process of replacing the disc is known as disc replacement or artificial disc replacement.
The originally damaged disc is replaced with an artificial disc made up of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. The surgery helps in reducing or removing the pain as well as maintaining the normal functioning of the spine.
Several common conditions call for a disc replacement surgery. These include disc degeneration or rupture, herniation of the disc, discitis or inflammation of the disc, and scoliosis.
How is the disc replacement surgery performed?
A disc replacement surgery requires an incision to be made and can take up to 3 hours from start to end.
- The first step is to make an incision on the affected location of the spine where the disc needs to be replaced. For cervical vertebrae, the incision is made around the frontal neck, a transthoracic incision for the thoracic vertebrae, and an abdominal incision for lumbar vertebrae.
- Once the incision is made, the organs are retracted to ensure visibility and better visual clarity.
- With clear visuals, the next step is to now remove the damaged disc from its place and replace the same with an artificial disc.
- Once the artificial disc is secured, a sealing material is placed around the artificial disc between the frictional surfaces is placed.
- Once this process completes, the incision is closed.
What is the process of recovery post-surgery?
A time period of about 3-4 weeks is required for full recovery from the surgery. The patient is usually discharged after 3 or 4 days from the hospital after a thorough check-up by the doctor. The doctor also guides the patients on proper movement techniques before discharge.
Usually, the patient is advised to avoid any bending or twisting to prevent any risk to the affected area for the first 2-4 weeks. One may be given a brace in case external support is required in the lower back region.
Why should Turkey be on your list for a disc replacement surgery?
Turkey has been on the rise when it comes to medical tourism and competes with developed nations like the USA and South Korea. But, while it offers the same level of medical expertise and technological advances, prices are comparatively very low. This makes turkey one of the preferred medical destinations for a lot of people.
Disc replacement in Turkey is an affordable affair and when compared to global costs of developed nations starts at about USD 5000. This cost is 1/8th of what it would cost in a country like the UK. While the cost in Turkey varies based on a lot of factors such as the location of the hospital, recovery time required, etc. it is still extremely affordable.
Several hospitals are offering artificial disc replacement in Turkey. Some of these include Medipol mega university hospital, Memorial Sisli hospital, MedicanaBahcelievler, and Antalya Anadolu Hospital.
MediGence is striving to connect the entire healthcare ecosystem of professionals and patients through a centralized platform, which is easily accessible from every part of the world. The telemedicine platform exposes its video conferencing and communications capabilities, which helps people connect and talk to a doctor or specialist from the comfort of their home.
So if you are planning to get an artificial disc replacement surgery, Turkey should be at the top of your research list.
