Spine surgery is indicated in different cases, among which degenerative pathology -which is the most frequent-, traumatic pathology, tumor pathology with benign and malignant processes, and vascular pathology with vascular malformations.
There are two types of spine surgery:
- The one that affects bone, disc and ligamentous structures. It is performed by neurosurgeons and traumatologists specialized in the spine.
- Surgery of the spinal cord and nerve roots, together with their sheaths. It is performed only by neurosurgeons.
The most frequent pathology is degenerative with herniated discs and canal stenosis.
Spine surgery technique
The technique of spine surgery varies according to the pathology to be treated and the specialist who will perform it. For example, the operation of a herniated disc does not require as much skill and thoroughness as the removal of a tumor or an intramedullary vascular malformation.
As for the specialist, the neurosurgeon, compared to the traumatologist specialized in the spine, is usually more conservative and meticulous, since during his training he has had to get used to working with a surgical microscope, in small and deep fields and with a multitude of vital structures around him.
Treatment and postoperative course of spinal surgery
As for surgery for herniated discs and canal stenosis, which is the most frequent, only 20% of patients need to undergo surgery. The remaining 80% can alleviate their symptoms with treatment based on analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and rehabilitation measures.
Currently, spine surgery performed with microsurgical technique can be performed without general anesthesia and the patient can be discharged from the hospital a few hours after surgery, as we have proven in the Major Outpatient Surgery Program carried out at the Hospital Universitario La Paz in the last two years.
Risks of spine surgery
The risks of spine surgery will depend on the type of pathology. In the case of degenerative pathology, the risks are low, but it must always be borne in mind that an affected nerve root or a rupture of the meninx can leave a sequelae that the patient will have to carry with him or her for the rest of his or her life.
On the other hand, when it comes to tumor or vascular pathology, the risks increase since spinal cord damage can become irreversible.