Mr. Fliah Mohd Hasan Kareem
C-5 C-6 Complete SCI | Cervical Epidural Stimulation
What is Spinal Tumor ?
If you have a slow-growing metastatic spinal tumor, or only one spinal tumor and have neurological deficit such as weakness, loss of muscle control and/or significant spinal instability then, you may require spinal tumor surgery along with stabilization of vertebrae with a curative goal. You may undergo an extensive surgical procedure and stabilization method shall depend upon the tumor type, the extent of bone destruction, general condition and anticipated cancer treatment
The fusion shall involve titanium rods, screws & cages with the assistance of spinal navigation. Surgery would last for 4-8 hrs depending upon the tumor & the extent of stabilization procedure involved.
After the physical assessment, you shall be medically investigated for your spinal problem. Once investigations and medical assessment are completed your surgery shall be planned.
You would be encouraged to ask any questions you may have regarding surgery, hospital stay or recovery and activities after surgery.
Day 1
The procedure is explained to the patient/ relative in detail and consent is undertaken. Pre-anaesthesia checkup (PAC) is done. An Intravenous line (IV) is given to provide fluids. You are shifted to OT for the procedure. You are given anesthesia before surgery. Post-procedure, you will be moved to Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and once fully awake, you will be moved to Intensive Care Unit for overnight observation.
Day 2
You are shifted to a regular room. You may have pain, fever and may not feel like eating anything, which is ok for post-surgical day 2 to say 4. You are monitored in the room and shall be given appropriate medication including pain relievers. You may have Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump. You would have a drain in your back (Hemovac) and a catheter to help you pee.
Day 3
You would be slowly mobilized by rehabilitation team. You will also undergo mild physiotherapy. Your pain should have decreased by now. Your catheter would be removed and you would be encouraged to use the regular washroom.
Day 4
Your incision would be inspected and if the wound has healed, stitches or staples shall be removed. You shall continue to have the bandage for another day.
Discharge process is undertaken. You will be explained about the discharge medication, exercises to be done at home and follow up. You will be discharged in stable condition.is undertaken. You will be explained about the discharge medication, exercises to be done at home and follow up. You will be discharged in stable condition.
Follow up and Recovery
The first follow up will be after 3 weeks of the surgery followed by six weeks and six-month checkups. Anytime thereafter you could have a follow up if there are any questions /concerns about the recovery.
During this time you would need to slowly start getting back to normal routine, however, it may be difficult for you to join office/school immediately. You will be asked to refrain from smoking.
You can return to rigorous activities after 4-6 months of the surgery.
