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How Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Is Transforming Brain and Spine Surgery in India: Insights from Dr. Mohana Rao’s 1008-Case Study Presented at SIONCON 2025, NIMHANS Bengaluru

Advancing Surgery with Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) in India

By Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, Chief Neurosurgeon, Dr. Rao’s Hospital, Guntur

Introduction: The Future of Neurosurgery Is Here

Brain and spine surgeries are among the most delicate and high-risk procedures in all of medicine. Surgeons work within millimeters of the structures that control movement, speech, vision, memory, and breathing. Even a minor surgical disruption can lead to paralysis, speech loss, or permanent disability.

For decades, neurosurgeons relied solely on their anatomical knowledge, experience, and the microscope to navigate these high-risk regions. But in the last few years, a revolutionary tool has transformed neurosurgical safety worldwide:
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM).

In November 2025, at SIONCON 2025, held at the prestigious NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru, I had the honor of presenting one of India’s most comprehensive IONM datasets—a 1008-case analysis covering diverse brain and spine surgeries performed over 5 years at Dr. Rao’s Hospital, Guntur.

Find the news on the Business World:

Guntur Neurosurgeon Presents India’s Largest IONM Dataset, Sets New Benchmark In Brain & Spine Safety

https://www.businessworld.in/article/guntur-neurosurgeon-presents-india-s-largest-ionm-dataset-sets-new-benchmark-in-brain-spine-safety-583438

The presentation demonstrated how real-time neuromonitoring can significantly reduce neurological complications and improve outcomes, even in the most complex neurosurgical cases.

This blog explains the entire study in a clear, patient-friendly way, detailing how IONM protects patients, helps surgeons make safer decisions, and is shaping the future of neurosurgery in India.

Chapter 1: What Exactly Is Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)?

Imagine having a real-time safety system during surgery that continuously checks how your brain, spine, and nerves are functioning—even while under anesthesia.
That is the power of IONM.

IONM monitors:

Motor function
Sensory pathways
Cranial nerve function
Language and speech centers (in awake surgeries)
Brainstem responses
Electrical activity of nerves and muscles

If anything harmful begins to happen—such as nerve stretching or decreased blood supply—the system alerts the surgical team immediately.

It is like having a “nerve safety alarm” during surgery.

Why IONM Is Critical in Modern Neurosurgery

Without IONM, nerve injury might be detected only after surgery, when it is too late to reverse the damage.
With IONM, however, risks are identified immediately, allowing the surgeon to respond and prevent permanent injury.

This simple concept can save movement, speech, vision, swallowing ability, and quality of life.

Chapter 2: Why This 1008-Case Study Is a Landmark for India

IONM is still growing in India.
Most hospitals use it only for select cases.
Very few centers have standardized, protocol-driven multimodal IONM across multiple years of surgical work.

At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, we took a different approach:

We used IONM in over 1000 surgeries across:

Brain tumors (including eloquent cortex tumors)
Skull base and brainstem lesions
Spine surgeries
Pediatric neurosurgery
Epilepsy surgery
Awake craniotomy
Vascular and endovascular neurosurgery

We also implemented a strict, step-by-step protocol to ensure quality, accuracy, and meaningful intervention whenever signals changed.

This dataset is among the largest single-center IONM studies from India, and the presentation at SIONCON 2025 highlighted the clinical impact of every modality.

Chapter 3: Study Results Explained Simply

Below is a simplified explanation of the key results we presented at SIONCON:

1. Diagnostic Accuracy: IONM Predicts Danger Early

Sensitivity: 85.7%

This means IONM correctly detected 85.7% of cases where something was going wrong.

Specificity: 98.8%

This means IONM rarely gave false alarms.

These numbers show the system is both reliable and precise. Out of 1008 surgeries:

True Positives (TP): 186
True Negatives (TN): 781
False Positives (FP): 10
False Negatives (FN): 31

IONM accurately predicted neurological outcomes in 967 out of 1008 cases.

2. Neurological Recovery & Complication Reduction

Key highlights:

78.5% prevention rate for neurological deficits
94% of temporary deficits recovered within 3 months
Only 2.1% permanent deficits, mostly in complex eloquent tumors
Permanent signal loss: 0.7%
Functional independence (KPS ≥80): 91.6% at 3 months

These outcomes match or exceed global neurosurgical benchmarks—reinforcing that India can deliver world-class results.

Chapter 4: Pathology-Wise Outcomes

Eloquent Area Brain Tumors (Movement/Speech Regions)

Very high risk surgeries
Permanent deficits only 2.1%
Safe maximal tumor removal possible

Epilepsy Surgery

88.4% deficit prevention
Excellent long-term functional outcomes

Spine Surgery

83.1% deficit prevention rate
EMG and MEP monitoring prevented nerve-root injury

Brainstem and Posterior Fossa Surgeries

Extremely high-risk surgeries
76.9% neurological protection

Vascular Lesions (AVMs, Aneurysms)

74.2% prevention rate

This shows IONM’s benefit across all neurosurgical domains.

Chapter 5: Pediatric Neurosurgery—Why Children Benefit More

Children’s brains have an amazing ability to recover—known as neuroplasticity.

With IONM:

Surgeons can safely operate on epilepsy-causing lesions
Brain tumors near critical regions can be removed precisely
Early intervention improves long-term development

The study showed better recovery rates in children than adults.

Chapter 6: Awake Brain Surgery—Speaking or Moving During Surgery

Awake craniotomy is a specialized surgery where:

The patient is awake during part of the operation
They speak, count, or move their hands/legs
The surgeon maps critical functions using DES/DCS stimulation
Tumors near speech/motor regions can be removed more safely

Results from 227 Awake Surgeries:

11% transient problems
0% long-term complications
Best outcomes achieved with DES/DCS mapping

This is among the largest awake craniotomy series in the region.

Chapter 7: What Happens When the Signal Drops?

A small percentage of patients show irreversible signal loss during surgery.

At our hospital, we follow a 5-step Signal Loss Protocol:

Recheck connections, anesthesia, temperature
Increase blood pressure (MAP >90 mmHg)
Reduce traction, decompression
Re-monitor for 3–5 minutes
If no recovery → Staged closure

Results:

26 staged closures (2.6%)
Planned re-interventions
73% regained neurological function

This approach prevents permanent disability.

Chapter 8: Why Structured Protocols Matter

IONM isn’t just equipment—it’s a full system.

We use:

Standard stimulation thresholds
Validated alert criteria
Multimodal monitoring (MEP, SSEP, EMG, DES, BAER)
Collaboration with anesthesia
Checklists for every signal change

Our structured approach ensures maximum safety.

Chapter 9: Why India Needs Wider IONM Adoption

In India, many surgeries are still performed without IONM due to cost, lack of trained personnel, or limited awareness.

But the consequences of nerve injury—lifelong disability—are far more expensive.

Our study clearly shows:

Fewer complications
Better functional outcomes
Safer maximal resection
Higher quality of life
Lower long-term costs for families

IONM must become a standard of care, not a luxury.

Chapter 10: About Dr. Rao’s Hospital, Guntur

Dr. Rao’s Hospital is one of India’s leading centers for:

Advanced neurosurgery
Pediatric neurosurgery
Epilepsy surgery
Endoscopic skull base surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery
Neuro-oncology
Endovascular neurosurgery
Full-scale IONM-supported neurosurgery

We strongly believe in precision, safety, and functional preservation.

With international training from the USA (UVA, OSU, NCH, Colorado), and over 70 publications and 50+ invited lectures,
Dr. Mohana Rao is widely known as:

The best neurosurgeon in Guntur
The best neurologist in Guntur
The best spine surgeon in Guntur

Conclusion: A New Era of Safe Neurosurgery in India

The 1008-case IONM study presented at SIONCON 2025 is more than just academic research—it is proof that:

Indian hospitals can match global neurosurgical standards
Structured IONM can prevent disability
Safe maximal resection is achievable
Pediatric and awake surgeries benefit enormously
Neuromonitoring must become routine across centers

At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, we continue to advance neurosurgical care with innovation, precision, and compassion.

Contact Us

📞 90100 56444
🌐 https://drraoshospitals.com
📧 info@drraoshospitals.com
📍 Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

For Consultations or Appointments

📍 Dr. Rao’s Hospital
12-19-67, Old Bank Road, Kothapet,
Opp. Sravani Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

📞 Phone: +9190100 56444
📧 Email: info@drraoshospitals.com | drpatibandla@gmail.com
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Top Neurosurgery & Spine Care in India | Dr. Rao’s Hospital Guntur

Spine and Brain: An Intricate Relationship

The spine and brain form a complex network vital for everyday functioning. The brain controls all bodily functions, while the spine serves as a communication highway, transmitting signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Neurosurgery involving the spine and brain requires a deep understanding of both structures and the ability to perform precise, minimally invasive procedures to ensure patient recovery. Dr. Rao’s Hospital in Guntur is a leader in these advanced treatments, offering world-class care.

Spine & Disc: Understanding Degeneration and Treatment

Spinal discs, the cushion-like structures between the vertebrae, can wear down over time due to age, injury, or disease. This degeneration often leads to pain, restricted mobility, and the need for surgical intervention. At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, spine and disc surgeries use minimally invasive techniques, allowing faster recovery, less scarring, and fewer complications than traditional surgeries.

Scoliosis Surgery: Correcting Spine Deformities

Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, can be debilitating if not treated. Scoliosis surgery is one of the most effective treatments, helping patients regain normal posture and reduce pain. Dr. Rao’s Hospital is equipped with advanced technology and a team of highly skilled spine specialists to provide top-notch scoliosis surgery in India. Using minimally invasive methods for scoliosis treatment ensures a quicker recovery and less trauma to the surrounding tissues.

Spine Fusion: Stability and Strength for the Spine

Spine fusion surgery is often recommended for patients suffering from spinal instability or chronic pain. This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae to create a single, solid bone, which helps stabilize the spine. With cutting-edge techniques available at Dr. Rao’s Hospital, patients experience reduced post-operative pain and a quicker return to normal activities.

Best Neurosurgery Hospital in India: Dr. Rao’s Hospital Guntur

Dr. Rao’s Hospital has established itself as one of the best neurosurgery hospitals in India, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained surgical team. The hospital is recognized for its expertise in handling complex brain, spine, and endovascular surgeries. The high success rates, affordable medical tourism packages, and compassionate care of the staff draw patients worldwide to this top hospital.

Neurosurgery Doctor: Expertise that Makes a Difference

Choosing the right neurosurgery doctor is crucial when dealing with delicate brain or spine issues. Dr. Rao is a renowned neurosurgeon and a leading expert in minimally invasive spine and endovascular surgery. His extensive training in India and abroad ensures that patients receive top-quality care for common and complex neurosurgical issues.

Best Neurological Surgery: Advanced Care for Brain and Spine Conditions

Neurological surgery has evolved rapidly with the advent of minimally invasive techniques and robotics. At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, patients benefit from the latest technological advancements, ensuring that the best neurological surgery options are available. Whether it’s a brain tumor or a spinal issue, the hospital’s multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care focusing on the patient’s well-being.

Pediatric Surgery: Specialized Care for Children

Children with neurological disorders require specialized care. At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, a team skilled in handling the delicate nervous systems of young patients performs pediatric neurosurgery. From congenital spine deformities to pediatric brain tumors, the hospital ensures that each child receives the best possible care.

Spine Specialist: Experts in Spine Care

A spine specialist is a doctor trained to diagnose and treat spine-related problems. At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, a team of spine specialists provides individualized treatment plans for conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. Their expertise in minimally invasive procedures ensures better outcomes and faster patient recovery.

Spine Dr: Dedicated Spine Care Professionals

A spine doctor, also known as a spine surgeon, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the spinal cord and vertebral column. At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, patients benefit from the expertise of spine doctors trained in traditional and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Faster Recovery, Less Pain

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized neurosurgery. With smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and faster recovery times, these techniques have become the preferred choice for spine and brain surgeries. Dr. Rao’s Hospital is at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery in India, offering patients the latest and most effective treatments.

Surgery Doctor: Professionals Committed to Your Recovery

A surgery doctor, or surgeon, is a key figure in any medical operation. The surgeons at Dr. Rao’s Hospital are among the best in India, specializing in brain, spine, and endovascular surgery. Their expertise ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, emphasizing precision, safety, and post-surgical recovery.

Specialist for the Spine: Tailored Treatments for Complex Conditions

Finding a spine specialist is crucial when treating complex conditions. Dr. Rao’s Hospital offers tailored treatments that address each patient’s needs. Whether it’s degenerative disc disease or spinal trauma, the hospital’s spine specialists ensure the best possible outcomes through personalized treatment plans.

Surgical Doctor: Leading the Way in Complex Procedures

Surgical doctors at Dr. Rao’s Hospital are leaders in their field, with extensive experience in performing complex brain and spine surgeries. Whether you require a spine fusion or a brain tumor removal, these surgical doctors ensure that every procedure is carried out with the utmost care and precision.

Spine Hospital: A Center for Excellence in Spine Care

Dr. Rao’s Hospital is widely regarded as one of the best spine hospitals in India. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers a wide range of spine surgeries, from minimally invasive procedures to complex reconstructive surgeries. Patients can expect world-class care from a team of specialists who are committed to improving their quality of life.

Best Neurosurgeon: Trustworthy and Experienced

Finding the best neurosurgeon for your condition can be daunting. At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Dr. Rao is one of the best neurosurgeons in India, with a reputation for excellence in brain and spine surgeries. His commitment to patient care and surgical expertise has earned him recognition on both national and international platforms.

Surgery Operation: A Critical Step Towards Recovery

Every surgery operation at Dr. Rao’s Hospital is planned meticulously to ensure the best outcomes for patients. From pre-operative consultations to post-surgical follow-ups, the hospital’s team works together to provide seamless care for those undergoing surgery for brain or spine conditions.

Surgical Operation: Precision and Expertise

A surgical operation, whether for the brain or spine, requires high precision and expertise. The surgeons at Dr. Rao’s Hospital are trained in advanced techniques that minimize risks and enhance patient recovery. With years of experience, these doctors ensure that every surgical operation is carried out with the highest standards of medical care.

Dr. Surgeons: Leaders in Neurosurgery

Dr. Rao’s team of surgeons is among the best in India. They offer expertise in areas such as spine surgery, brain tumor surgery, and endovascular neurosurgery. Their patient-centered approach ensures that every individual receives personalized care from diagnosis to recovery.

Spine & Scoliosis: Comprehensive Care for Spine Conditions

Scoliosis and other spine conditions require specialized treatment plans. Dr. Rao’s Hospital offers comprehensive care for patients with spine and scoliosis issues, utilizing the latest advancements in minimally invasive spine surgery to achieve optimal outcomes.

Spine Surgeon: Experts in Spine Reconstruction

A spine surgeon plays a vital role in restoring spinal function. Dr. Rao’s Hospital has a team of highly skilled spine surgeons specializing in both minimally invasive and traditional spine surgeries, offering patients the best possible care for their conditions.

Best Neurosurgeon in India for Spine Surgery

Regarding spine surgery, Dr. Rao is recognized as one of the best neurosurgeons in India. His minimally invasive spine surgery expertise has helped countless patients regain their mobility and lead pain-free lives.

Best Neurosurgeon in India for Brain Tumor Surgery

Dr. Rao’s Hospital is a top choice for brain tumor surgery in India. Using advanced imaging and navigation techniques, Dr. Rao and his team offer safe and effective tumor removal procedures, ensuring patients’ highest chances of recovery.

Best Neurosurgeon in India for Brain Surgeries

For complex brain surgeries, Dr. Rao’s Hospital stands out as a leader in the field. Whether it’s a brain aneurysm, tumor, or trauma, Dr. Rao’s experience and innovative approach have made him one of the best neurosurgeons in India for brain surgeries.

Keyhole Neurosurgery: Small Incisions, Big Results

Keyhole neurosurgery is a groundbreaking technique that allows surgeons to access the brain or spine with minimal incisions. This results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery. Dr. Rao’s Hospital specializes in this advanced technique and offers patients cutting-edge treatments.

Best Interventional Neurologist in Guntur

Dr. Rao is also regarded as the best interventional neurologist in Guntur. He is known for his expertise in treating stroke and other cerebrovascular conditions using noninvasive techniques.

Best Endovascular Neurosurgeon in Guntur

Endovascular surgery is a subspecialty of neurosurgery that treats blood vessel disorders of the brain and blood vessels.

Dr. Rao: Neurosurgeon, Spine Surgeon & Endovascular Surgeon at Dr Rao’s Hospital

Dr. Rao the best neurosurgeon in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India and World

Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, known simply as Dr. Rao, is a highly esteemed neurosurgeon, spine surgeon, and endovascular specialist based in Guntur, India. With an impressive career spanning several neurosurgery subspecialties, Dr. Rao is renowned for his advanced techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, and functional and stereotactic radiosurgery. His dedication to offering cutting-edge medical care has positioned him as a leader in neurosurgery, not just in India but internationally.

Education and Training

Dr. Rao’s educational background is both extensive and prestigious. After completing his MBBS at Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, he pursued his specialization in Neurosurgery at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, where he received his M.Ch. in Neurosurgery in 2013. To further hone his skills, he undertook advanced training in a variety of subspecialties in the United States, including:

Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Skull Base Surgery—Ohio, USA
Pediatric Neurosurgery: Colorado, USA and Ohio, USA
Neuro-Oncology and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery – Virginia, USA
Functional and Stereotactic Radiosurgery – Virginia, USA
Endovascular and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery – Virginia, USA

This global training has allowed Dr. Rao to integrate international best practices into his work, making him a versatile and highly skilled neurosurgeon.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Rao specializes in several critical areas within neurosurgery:

Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery: Dr. Rao is exceptionally skilled in performing surgeries that require minimal incisions, leading to reduced recovery times, fewer complications, and less postoperative pain. This is especially beneficial for spine and brain surgeries, where precision is critical, and recovery can be lengthy.
Skull Base and Epilepsy Surgery: As a Fellow in Skull Base Surgery, Dr. Rao has developed a keen understanding of complex skull base tumors and abnormalities, offering safe and effective surgical solutions for epilepsy and related conditions.
Pediatric Neurosurgery: Neurosurgical care for children requires specialized techniques and sensitivity. Dr. Rao’s fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery has equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to handle delicate brain and spine conditions in young patients.
Endovascular Surgery: Dr. Rao is also an expert in endovascular techniques, using minimally invasive methods to treat cerebrovascular conditions like aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and strokes. These procedures involve threading small catheters through blood vessels to reach the brain, providing a noninvasive alternative to open surgery.
Neuro-Oncology: Dr. Rao is highly skilled in the management and surgical treatment of brain tumors. He provides patients with innovative, minimally invasive options for tumor removal and care. He is committed to using advanced imaging and neuronavigation tools for safer and more precise brain tumor surgeries.

Dr. Rao’s Hospital: A Premier Neurosurgery Center

Dr. Rao is the founder of Dr. Rao’s Hospital, located in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of India’s most advanced neurosurgery, spine surgery, and endovascular care centers. The hospital boasts state-of-the-art technology, including 3D imaging, robotic-assisted surgery, and high-end diagnostic tools, making it a brain and spine care leader.

Some of the key features of Dr. Rao’s Hospital include:

Multidisciplinary Care: A team of highly trained neurosurgeons, neurologists, spine specialists, and interventional radiologists work together to provide comprehensive treatment.
Cutting-Edge Technology: The hospital has the latest medical technology, enabling precise, minimally invasive procedures.
Affordable Medical Tourism: The hospital offers affordable neurosurgical and spine surgery packages for international patients, making it a popular destination for medical tourism in India.
24/7 Emergency Care: Dr. Rao’s Hospital can handle critical cases anytime, thanks to the round-the-clock availability of neurosurgeons and emergency care specialists.

Achievements and Recognition

Dr. Rao’s contributions to neuroscience have earned him numerous accolades. He is recognized as one of the best neurosurgeons in India for brain, brain tumor, and spine surgeries. His emphasis on patient safety, the use of advanced technology, and compassionate care have made him a trusted name in neurosurgical circles.

Medical Philosophy

Dr. Rao is deeply committed to patient-centric care, which means he focuses on providing individualized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s specific needs and health conditions. He believes in minimizing the physical and emotional trauma associated with surgeries, and this philosophy is reflected in his extensive use of minimally invasive techniques.

International Collaboration

Dr. Rao has maintained strong ties with international neurosurgical communities, regularly attending and speaking at global conferences. His international collaborations help him stay updated with the latest advancements in neurosurgery and bring those innovations back to India.

Why Choose Dr. Rao?

Comprehensive Expertise: With training across several continents, Dr. Rao brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in various neurosurgery subspecialties.
Minimally Invasive Focus: He pioneered using minimally invasive techniques, ensuring quicker recoveries, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.
World-Class Facilities: His hospital has cutting-edge technology that rivals some of the best medical facilities worldwide.
Personalized Care: Dr. Rao takes the time to understand each patient’s condition and concerns, offering customized treatment options that best suit their needs.
Global Experience: His exposure to international best practices and techniques makes him a sought-after neurosurgeon for domestic and international patients.

In summary, Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla is not just a highly skilled neurosurgeon but a visionary leader in brain, spine, and endovascular surgery. Through his hospital in Guntur, he is committed to providing affordable, high-quality neurosurgical care to patients from India and worldwide.

Dr. Rao’s Contact Information:

Phone: 9010056444, 9010057444
Email: info@drraoshospitals.com
Address: Old Bank St, GV Thota, beside AK Biryani Point, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522001
Website: Dr. Rao’s Hospital

The best Spine Surgery in Guntur: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment

Best Spine Surgery in Guntur

Spine surgery is the surgical, or decompressive, process that restores movement or removes pressure on the spine. It may be used to correct the conditions of a spinal disorder in children and adults. The spine is made up of several bones called vertebrae stacked one on top of each other.

They have gaps between them called intervertebral spaces that allow nerves to pass through. Below these are discs which are cushions of thick jelly-like material that act as shock absorbers between the joints at each vertebral level (joints connect bone with ligament).

In India, Spine surgery is performed on large numbers of people (more than 3.5 lakh per year) and many more thousands are treated by doctors with spinal training alone.

Spine Surgeon

“A spinal surgeon is a medical specialist who performs operations on the spine.”

Dr Rao’s Hospital has the best spine surgeon in Andhra Pradesh. With the best training and experience. The hospital has the most experienced and well-qualified spine surgeon in Andhra Pradesh. Our hospital has a team of the best spine doctor in Guntur who has trained and worked for several years.

The spine surgeon has to diagnose the underlying causes of back, neck and other types of pain. The surgeons also work to restore functionality and intensity, including mobility, stability and strength. The treatment plan will involve many specialists in back care such as the physiotherapist, occupational therapists and others.

The spine surgeon will also decide whether any type of surgery is required or not.

What Spinal Conditions Require Surgery?

Spine surgery may be required for several spine conditions. The need for spine surgery is dependent on several factors, including age, previous injuries and quality of life issues. The more degenerative the condition, the more likely that it will be treated with surgery. Back pain (which is often caused by bad posture), neck pain (caused by muscle spasm) or bulging spinal discs can be treated using spinal fusion (an operation to fuse a segment of vertebrae).

Spinal surgery is performed to treat spinal disorders. It may also be used to treat complications from spinal disorders, such as stenosis or bone fractures. The primary goal of any spinal surgery is to relieve pain. And restore muscle strength in a shorter amount of time than conservative treatments, improve mobility and restore normal spinal function.

Most Common Spinal Surgeries

Many different types of implants are used in spine surgery.

• Spinal fusion surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon places a bone graft and a metal implant to strengthen the vertebrae. The fusion procedure is usually short and can be done through a small incision in the back rather than an incision across it. It can be performed on the lumbar (lower back), cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar-thoracic (lumbar and thoracic) spine.

• Spinal decompression surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon takes out part of the spine (vertebrae) which is pressing on a nerve root. This relieves pain and restores movement. The back muscles help hold the spinal joints together safely after surgery.

• Laminectomy/Discectomy: In this method, the surgeon removes herniated or bulging disc tissue to decompress or relieve pressure on sensitive nerves. The surgeon may need to use a combination of these devices.

• Plates and Screws: A plate and screws help stabilize a ruptured vertebral disc or broken vertebrae. When used with a cage, plate and cage surgeries offer an additional level of stability for complex spinal conditions.

• Vertebroplasty: This minimally invasive procedure strengthens vertebrae weakened by compression fractures

• Kyphoplasty: This is similar to vertebroplasty, but can be used in the thoracic or lumbar spine in addition to the cervical spine. It uses a balloon to inflate weakened vertebrae.

The spinal surgery must be performed as early as possible after diagnosis, as successful healing and recovery are highly dependent on it. The recovery period is about two months for simple procedures like discectomy. And more than six months for complex operations like spinal fusion surgery.

About Hospital

The hospital has the best Spine surgeon in Guntur that are specialised in all kinds of spine surgeries. With well-trained and experienced staff who are specially trained in this field and provide the best care to the patients.

Dr Rao’s hospital is one of the best spine surgery hospitals in India with a team of top doctors that has specialization in different kinds of spine surgeries. With a well-equipped infrastructure and an expert team, we can offer a wide range of services.

Including minimally invasive procedures like implantation of rods, artificial caged and plates for fixation. As well as non-invasive procedures like injection treatments for pain management for our patients. The experience spanning more than three decades has helped us become one of the leading names offering state-of-the-art treatment options for spinal disorders.

Diagnosis Of Spinal Disease

Preliminary diagnosis This is usually done by a primary care doctor or general physician. He may refer the patient to an X-ray, MRI or CT scan to determine if there is any tissue damage.

Diagnosis of spinal disorders is done through several tests, including:

• X-ray: Used to check the shape and movement of the bones. A surgeon will order an X-ray to see if they can repair broken, badly damaged or displaced vertebrae. X-rays can show problems in the bones of the spine, but they are not as useful for diagnosing soft tissue problems like disc herniation or stenosis.

• MRI: Used to check the shape and movement of the bones. Also used to identify soft tissues, bone abnormalities, bony tumours, and blood vessel-related conditions.

• CT Scan: Used to look at abnormalities in the spine and brain. A surgeon will likely order a CT scan to check for spinal stenosis (narrowing) or herniated disc(s). The scan is usually performed with dye rather than radiation so it is less harmful.

Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to image the spine. These scans take high-resolution pictures of your spinal cord and vertebral column. So doctors can see any injuries, tumours or fractures in the vertebrae.

Treatment Of Spinal Disease

After diagnosis, treatment is based on the type of spinal disorder, with conservative and surgical treatments.
Conservative treatment is recommended before any surgery if possible because it may slow the progression of a spinal disorder. A Spine specialist in Guntur will suggest the best treatment for the patient depending on their condition and the type of surgery to be done.

Building on the success of conservative treatment and careful planning, spinal surgery can provide excellent results.

Medications

The medicines to reduce the pain of spine disorders are paracetamol (acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition, some special medications for nerve pain, back pain related to a pinched or inflamed nerve root, and back pain associated with spinal stenosis can also be prescribed.
Opioids are painkillers which are not recommended before surgery because they may slow down or stop the healing. Opioids can also cause problems called lung and breathing problems.

Physical Therapy

Activity programs and physical therapy can help reduce back pain related to spinal stenosis. Physical therapy can also correct muscle or joint problems caused by the injury.
For patients with severe spinal stenosis, certain back exercises are very helpful. These exercises are generally very helpful for patients whose pain usually gets better when they bend forward or move to the side.

Surgery

Depending on the type of procedure that is required and the severity of any condition affecting the spine. An orthopaedic spine surgeon in Guntur may perform one or more types of procedures. If a disc is herniated or the vertebrae are badly damaged or displaced, an orthopaedic surgeon will recommend fusion surgery.

Surgery may be need in more serious cases to remove a herniated disc or to remove bone spurs due to arthritis. Surgery for back pain generally involves removing bony pieces of the spine. That may be causing discomfort or narrowing the area where nerves and muscles are located (spinal stenosis).

Surgical Procedures for Spinal Disorders

The physiotherapist will plan out the treatments and determine the type of exercises that will be required to restore mobility, strength and posture. There are various ways to approach spine replacement surgery.

It may involve minimally invasive surgery using spinal implants like titanium rods, artificial discs or cages, which may be used to replace damaged cartilages or vertebrae. The use of plates and screws has also become common in spinal surgery procedures.

How Do You Know When It’s Time For Spine Surgery?

Neck pain is often the first symptom of spinal problems. But sometimes, it can also be noticed when a person experiences back or lower back pain or sudden discomfort. It’s vital to visit a doctor who will recommend an examination and let you know if you need to undergo surgery for spine disorders.

Spinal surgery is performed by a Neurosurgeon spine surgeon in Guntur. The surgeon will take a history of the patient’s health condition and symptoms before making a diagnosis and recommending treatment options. The procedure may either be done through open surgery or minimally invasive surgery with the help of a camera called an endoscope.