Thoracic (Back) Surgery

Overview of Thoracic (Back) Surgery

Thoracic surgery, which focuses on the mid-back, deals with various conditions of the thoracic spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and fractures. The goal is to relieve pain, restore stability, and prevent further complications. Dr. Irfan Malik at Mspine Surgery can significantly improve patient mobility and reduce discomfort by targeting specific problems that do not respond to non-surgical treatments.

Key Benefits of Thoracic Surgery

• Pain Relief
• Improved Mobility
• Spinal Stability
• Improved Quality of Life

Conditions Treated by Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery is commonly performed to treat:

• Herniated disc: When discs press on nerves in the spinal cord, it causes pain and weakness.
• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that presses on nerves, causing pain and numbness.
• Fractures and deformities: Fractures or conditions related to trauma that require surgical correction, such as scoliosis.
• Tumors: Cancerous growths in the chest area can be surgically removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Treatment Process

Pre-Procedure

Before surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive examination, including imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography to pinpoint the location of the problem. Blood tests and general health checks help ensure that the surgery is right for each patient. The doctor discusses the procedure, potential risks, outcomes, and recovery so patients have realistic expectations.

Patients may be asked to stop taking certain medications and advised to prepare them as they did the night before. People with additional health problems may receive additional supportive care before surgery.

The Procedure

The type of thoracic surgery you need depends on your condition:

• Discectomy: For a herniated disc, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the disc to relieve pressure on the nerves.
• Laminectomy: For spinal stenosis, this procedure involves removing part of a vertebra to widen the spinal canal.
• Spinal fusion: Often used for instability, spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae, improving the stability of the spine.
• Tumor resection: This involves removing tumors that are compressing the spinal cord.

Most thoracic surgeries require general anesthesia and take several hours to perform. For some conditions, there are minimally invasive options, such as endoscopic surgery, that can shorten recovery time and reduce the impact on surrounding tissue.

Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients are monitored in the hospital for several days. Pain relief and gentle movement are key to early recovery. Physical therapy is usually part of the postoperative plan, helping patients gradually gain strength, flexibility, and mobility.

To help with healing, patients should avoid heavy lifting and twisting for a few weeks. Follow-up visits ensure proper recovery and may include additional imaging tests to confirm that the spine is stable and aligned. Full recovery varies depending on the complexity of the surgery, but most patients can expect to see significant improvement in pain and function within a few months.