Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery is a medical procedure performed to address issues and conditions affecting the spine. It is typically recommended for patients with severe spinal conditions that have not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections.  

Undergoing spinal surgery in Cuba has several notable benefits, particularly due to the country’s renowned healthcare system and medical expertise.   

• High-Quality Medical Care: Access to skilled surgeons trained in advanced spinal surgery techniques.  

• Cost-Effective Treatment: Significantly lower costs compared to many other countries without compromising quality.  

• Comprehensive Care: Detailed pre-operative assessments and personalized post-operative rehabilitation plans.  

• Advanced Medical Technology: Utilization of state-of-the-art equipment and surgical methods.  

• Holistic Approach: Emphasis on patient-centered care and overall well-being.  

• Accessibility: Efficient healthcare system with a focus on accessibility and patient satisfaction.  

• Personalized Rehabilitation: Facilitates tailored post-operative rehabilitation programs for optimal recovery.    

• Cultural and Medical Expertise: Benefit from Cuba’s long-standing tradition of excellence in healthcare and medical education.  

• Tranquil Recovery Environment: Peaceful and supportive settings that aid in the healing process.  

Common types of spinal surgery offered in Cuba  

• Discectomy (diskectomy): This surgery involves the removal of part or all of a disc that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. It is often performed to relieve pain caused by herniated disc and to restore function.  

• Laminectomy: In this procedure, a part of the vertebra (the lamina) is removed to create more space and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It is commonly used to treat spinal stenosis.  

• Spinal Fusion: This surgery involves joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate movement between them. It is often used to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and spondylolisthesis.  

• Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: These minimally invasive procedures involve injecting a special cement into fractured vertebrae to stabilize them and relieve pain. Kyphoplasty also involves the insertion of a balloon to create space before the cement is injected.  

• Foraminotomy: This procedure involves enlarging the foramen (the passageway where nerve roots exit the spine) to relieve pressure on compressed nerves. It is often used to treat foraminal stenosis.  

Indications for Spinal Surgery  

Spinal surgery is considered a major and complex surgery and is typically only considered when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections have failed to relieve symptoms. Conditions that may require spinal surgery include:  

• Herniated discs 

• Spinal stenosis 

• Scoliosis 

• Degenerative disc disease 

• Spondylolisthesis 

• Spinal fractures 

• Tumors affecting the spine  

Benefits of Spinal Surgery  

• Alleviates chronic pain caused by spinal conditions. 

• Improved mobility. 

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Enables patients to return to daily activities and improve overall well-being. 

• Restores nerve function. 

• Enhances stability and structural integrity. 

• Provides long-term relief.  

Risks and Recovery  

Like any surgical procedure, spinal surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery, the patient’s overall health, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Rehabilitation often involves physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. 

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