Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery is a minimally invasive spinal surgery that is performed to treat various spinal conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. This procedure is designed to provide stability to the spine by fusing two vertebrae together.
Platforms like Medditour help the patients seeking TLIF surgery by connecting them to international hospitals and facilitators. Such platforms enable the patients to obtain cost-effective treatment without waiting for a long time.
In this article, we will discuss when a TLIF surgery is performed, the recovery process, and how medical tourism can support patients undergoing this procedure.
Need for TLIF Surgery
A TLIF surgery is typically performed when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, have failed to alleviate a patient’s symptoms. Some of the most common conditions that may require a TLIF surgery include the following.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a condition that occurs when the intervertebral discs in the spine begin to break down, causing pain and discomfort.
- Spondylolisthesis: This aspect occurs when one vertebra slips out onto the other vertebra below it.
- Spinal Stenosis: This is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, causing compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
During a TLIF surgery, the surgeon will remove the damaged disc and replace it with a bone graft. This bone graft will eventually fuse with the adjacent vertebrae, providing stability and support to the spine.
National Library of Medicine states that the advantages of the TLIF procedure include shorter operative times, less blood loss, less intraoperative risk of injury to neural structures, and shorter convalescence.
Journey towards recovery
The recovery process after a TLIF surgery can vary depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery. However, in general, patients can expect to spend a few days in the hospital after the procedure. During this time, they will receive pain medication and will be monitored for any complications.
After being discharged from the hospital, patients will typically need to wear a brace or corset to help support their spine as it heals. They will also need to engage in physical therapy to help rebuild their strength and mobility.
The full recovery process can take several months, and patients may need to avoid certain activities, such as heavy lifting or bending, during this time. However, many patients are able to return to their normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life after undergoing a TLIF surgery.
Florida Surgery Consultants states that the success rates for a TLIF surgery is high and over 80% of patients who get a TLIF surgery are satisfied with the results and 70% of the pain is usually reduced according to several studies.
How does medical tourism support patients undergoing TLIF surgery?
Medical tourism can be beneficial for patients undergoing a TLIF surgery, as this procedure can be quite expensive in some countries.
Many countries, such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Turkey, and Mexico, have developed thriving medical tourism industries, offering high-quality care at significantly lower prices than in the United States or Europe. Patients who travel to these countries for a TLIF surgery can save thousands of dollars on their medical bills, while still receiving the same level of care as they would at home.
In addition to cost savings, medical tourism can also provide patients with access to specialized facilities and highly trained surgeons who may not be available in their home country. Many medical tourism providers also offer additional services, such as transportation and accommodation, to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
In spite of these benefits, companies like Medditour play a vital role in helping the patients seeking TLIF surgery at international destinations by supporting them to combine their treatment with vacation.
In conclusion, a TLIF surgery can be a life-changing procedure for patients suffering from chronic spinal conditions. While the recovery process can be lengthy and challenging, many patients are able to enjoy significant improvements in their quality of life with the help of TLIF surgery. The surgery can be affordable with medical tourism.