The thoracic region of the spine is the area of the middle and upper back. This region joins the cervical spine and lumbar spine and is built for stability. The thoracic spine is therefore important for keeping the body in an upright position as well as protecting the vital organs in the chest. Various surgical procedures are available to relieve pain caused by thoracic spine problems. These include the following:
Thoracic discectomy surgery
is a procedure that can be used to treat a thoracic herniated disc. The whole or part of the disc is removed to create space and alleviate the pressure of the herniated disc on the nerve roots. This procedure should be considered if nonsurgical options such as rest, medication, a back brace or physical therapy have not worked.
Thoracic decompression surgery
is a surgical procedure that involves removing the bone covering the spinal cord in order to create greater space. This is done if the canal has previously become narrow due to spinal stenosis. Again, nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy and medications are recommended before spinal surgery should be considered.
Thoracic laminectomy for tumour excision
is a treatment option for patients presenting with spinal tumours. The aim of the surgery is to remove the entire growth from the spinal region. This can be done as a posterior surgery whereby your surgeon will approach the procedure from the back. A general anaesthetic will be administered, and your vital signs will be monitored throughout the procedure. Muscles may have to be cut to be moved out of the way. The location of the tumour will dictate what method your surgeon chooses to remove the mass. Your surgeon will try to remove as much of the tumour as possible, but this depends on the type and size of the growth. Your surgeon will then close the surgical wound.
FAQ:
Surgery can take between two and seven hours to complete.
With physical therapy, most people recover completely in three to six weeks. After surgery, it's common to experience intermittent tingling, numbness, or shooting sensations, which usually go away with time and physical therapy as the nerve heals.
Although the spine is a considerable section of the body, that does not mean that all spinal surgeries must be significant. Several spinal operations are minimally invasive, which means the surgeon only makes a few small incisions rather than a huge one.
I am a qualified neurosurgeon following my pre- and postgraduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch and currently have private practices at Netcare N1 City, which caters for the northern suburbs of Cape Town and Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital, which caters for the west coast of Cape Town and Western Cape.
Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital
Tel: +27 (0)21 554 0779 / Fax: +27 (0)21 554 2144
Email: bbhinfo@capeneurospine.co.za
Netcare N1 City Hospital
Tel: 021 595 4633 / Fax: 021-595 3446
Email: info@capeneurospine.co.za