{"id":24534,"date":"2019-12-16T11:56:13","date_gmt":"2019-12-16T09:56:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hygeia.gr\/?page_id=24534"},"modified":"2019-12-16T11:56:13","modified_gmt":"2019-12-16T09:56:13","slug":"spine-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hygeia.gr\/en\/spine-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Spine Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"

The philosophy of the 1st Neurosurgical Department<\/a> in what concerns the management of spinal column diseases is focused to the individualized treatment of each and every patient by combining all the latest advances and technologies available in the field of spinal surgery. It is for this purpose that all treatments are delivered within the framework of the Spine Department, in collaboration with colleagues from other specialty domains such as orthopaedics<\/span> surgeons, anaesthesiologists, rehabilitation physicians and the physical therapists. The 1st<\/sup> Neurosurgical Clinic offers surgical management of spinal degenerative diseases, spinal tumours (benign\/malignant) and traumatic spine injuries. We also treat spinal cord pathologies:\u00a0 spinal cord tumors (benign and malignant) and spinal cord vascular lesions.<\/p>\n

The following is an overview of the most common spinal conditions managed by the Neurosurgical Clinic (lumbar and cervical disc hernias, vertebral column and spinal cord tumours) <\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>Lumbar disc herniation<\/a><\/h4><\/div>

<\/span><\/p>\n

Intervertebral disc herniation is usually degenerative in origin. It is a process which\u00a0 affects both the disc itself and the vertebral bodies, the ligaments and the muscles supporting the spine.\u00a0<\/strong>The disc consists of a soft core (nucleus pulposus) and a hard ring (annulus fibrosus), which surrounds the former. Along the course of a degenerative disease the outer ring undergoes a gradual loss of integrity resulting in the nucleus pulposus prolapse, which deteriorates over time, exerting\u00a0 pressure on the anatomical structures nearby and causing pain. In advanced stages part of the nucleus pulposus makes a large protrusion in the spinal canal producing the so-called (free- fragment) disc herniation. It is this situation that the patient experiences pain not only in the lower back (lumbago) but in the leg as well (sciatica). Even though low back pain may\u00a0 become extremely painful, it goes away in 90% of the cases without surgery. The therapeutic approaches\u00a0 include physical therapy,weight loss, epidural steroid injections (cortisone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and decreasing the level of physical activity. All the above approaches aim to decrease the inflammation in the lower back and the minimization of the nerve roots irritation. Traditionally\u00a0 4 to 6 weeks of conservative treatment is recommended before suggesting surgery to the patient. Surgery is indicated if:<\/p>\n

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  1. The pain in the back or the leg restricts daily activities or has a negative effect on quality of life despite the medical treatment and the physical therapy<\/li>\n
  2. There is a development of neurological symptoms, such as leg weakness and\u00a0 numbness<\/li>\n
  3. There is loss of bladder \/ bowel sphincter control with resultant\u00a0 incontinence<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If surgery is indicated, there is a number of procedures available to decompress the nerve roots affected. The one most commonly used is\u00a0 microdiscectomy.<\/p>\n

    LUMBAR MICRODISCECTOMY <\/strong><\/p>\n

    Lumbar microdiscectomy is carried out with the use of a surgical microscope and a microsurgical technique. Since microdiscectomy is performed under the surgical microscope, a relatively small skin incision is needed. A very small piece of bone is removed from the vertebral lamina. When the nerve under pressure is identified, the extent of the pressure exerted upon it by the herniated nucleus pulposus is defined with precision. Using a microsurgical technique, the herniated nucleus pulposus is removed. The surgery is completed with the suturing of each layer of the surgical wound. A few hours after the procedure the patient is mobilised and most of the times is released from hospital the following morning. The patient is advised to rest for 7- 10 days and is then allowed to gradually resume the daily activities.<\/p>\n

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    .<\/span>Cervical disc herniation<\/a><\/h4><\/div>

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    Cervical disc microsurgical excision\u00a0 is a procedure performed in the upper part of the spine, between the 2nd cervical and the 1st thoracic vertebra, in order to relieve the pressure exerted upon one or more nerve roots or the spinal cord. When an intervertebral disc in the cervical spine is degenerated, it may prolapse (intervertebral disc hernia) and compress one or more nerve roots or the spinal cord (cervical myelopathy) causing pain to the neck, to the upper extremities and loss of sensation in the upper extremities (tingling – numbness). It may also affect the function of the lower extremities and the control of the bladder. Nerve root and \/ or spinal cord compression may also be the result of a vertebral deformity or of bone spurs (osteophytes\u00a0 – degenerative disease).<\/p>\n

    Surgical treatment indications<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If conservative treatment for neck pain fails, surgery may be necessary. Indications for surgery are:<\/p>\n