Back Operations : What You Need To Know Before Surgery

Back operations are sometimes necessary to treat spine conditions that are severe or cannot be treated with other methods. If you have a back problem that may eventually need surgery, it is important to have a strong understanding of the procedure, especially the benefits and risks.

Types of Back Operations

There are two main types of back surgery: 

• Open back surgery - Traditional back surgery requires the doctor to make a large incision along the spine, and may require the use of major interventions like cutting through bone. Open back surgery is a major procedure that requires a hospital stay and has a long recovery time.
• Minimally invasive back surgery - A form of back surgery that only requires small incisions. Laser back surgery is an example. This type of surgery minimizes downtime and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

Risks

There are some risks associated with all back operations, both minimally invasive and traditional. However, the risks associated with minimally invasive back surgery are usually lower than those associated with traditional back surgery. Some risks include: 

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• Failure to resolve symptoms
• Infection
• Reaction to anesthesia

Most complications are relatively mild and will resolve on their own or with intervention. In rare cases, severe complications, including death and paralysis, may occur.

There are risks associated with any surgery, but your doctor will only recommend a back surgery if he believes that the benefits outweigh the risks in your case. Based on your doctor's recommendations and your understanding of the risks, you can make an informed decision about whether surgery is worth the risk to you.

Costs

Surgery is expensive in modern America, whether minimally invasive or traditional. The exact cost of surgery varies depending on what procedure is used and how extensive the condition is, along with extraneous factors such as market fluctuations and the local cost of living. 

The biggest factor influencing how much you will pay out of pocket is your insurance coverage. If you have a large deductible that you have not yet met, or high copays, then your out of pocket cost may be substantial. Financing is available to help people manage the cost of surgery over a longer period of time.

Dr. Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your back pain. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.