Foraminotomy (Relieve Pressure On Spinal Nerve)

· Those in Mexicali who need surgery for the spine.
· Those with difficulty performing daily or physical activities due to pain.
· Those with difficulty standing, walking or sitting for long periods of time.
· Those who wish to have the intervertebral foramen unblocked.
· Those who wish to relieve the compression on nerve leaving the spinal cord.

Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressures occurred on the compressed nerves. The procedure enlarges the area around one of the bones in your spinal column to ease the pain.

The spinal cord is responsible for sending sensory information from the body to the brain. Also, it sends commands from the brain to the body. Nerves spread out from the spinal cord, responsible in the process of sending and receiving the information. Your spinal column houses the spinal cord and protects it from injury. Nerves exit the spinal column through small holes (intervertebral foramen) that lie between the vertebrae.

In some cases, the small holes can become too narrow, this could cause compression of the nerve and lead to symptoms such as pain, tingling in the arms and legs, etc. The exact symptoms also depend on the location of the compressed nerve along the spinal column.

During foraminotomy, the surgery works by cutting a small incision on the back, or the neck to expose the affected vertebra; then, the intervertebral foramen will be widened by removing whatever the blockage is caused by, the common ones are either bone, discs, or other tissue obstructing the passageway where the spinal nerve root exits the spinal canal.

1. Consultation and examination of your condition
2. You will lie on your stomach
3. Application of general anesthesia
4. A small incision will be made beside your spine
5. X-rays and a special microscope will be used to guide the surgery
6. Back muscles around the spine will be pushed away to expose the blocked intervertebral foramen
7. Small tools will be used to remove the blockage inside the intervertebral foramen, relieving pressure on the nerves
8. In some cases, laminectomy may be done to remove part of the vertebra
9. The tools will be removed and muscles will be put back in place
10. Closing of the incision

<Advantages>
· Unblocks intervertebral foramen
· Relieves pain caused by the blockage
· Restores healthy lifestyle
· Fast recovery

<Limitations>
· In rare cases, the procedure might not help to relieve the pain

· You may be advised to stop taking blood-thinning medications and anti-inflammatory drugs a few weeks before the surgery
· Fasting may be required at least 6 to 8 hrs before the surgery
· You may have to undergo other additional imaging tests to gather more information on your spinal column and nerves (usually using MRI scan)

· Move the treated area carefully after a few hours of surgery
· Certain movements may need to be avoided for a while eg. bending your neck
· Lightwork can be done after a few weeks
· Heavier work may need to be avoided for a few months
· Physical therapy may be needed to help with recovery

Q1: Does the treatment hurt?
A1: General anesthesia will be given and put you to sleep through the surgery, no pain will be felt.

Q2: How long until I can return to work?
A2: Lightwork can be returned within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

Q3: Is there any risk?
A3: Risks and complications are rare, it includes infection, nerve damage, damage to the spinal cord, etc.

Q4: Will it really relieve my pain?
A4: There is a small risk that it may not help to relieve your pain, it varies with your age, location of the intervertebral foramen, the type of foraminotomy performed, etc.

Q5: How long until I can sit up in bed after surgery?
A5: You will be able to sit up in bed within a couple of hours after surgery.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (24 hrs)