Spinal Fusion Surgery in Malaysia

The procedure is performed under general anesthetic, the surgery begins with an incision in your abdomen (anterior lumbar interbody fusion) or in your back directly over your spine (posterior fusion) to access your spine. Then, your doctor removes the joint or joints between the painful or damaged disks. After that, the vertebrae are fused together permanently and kept from moving pieces of bone from another part of your body or a bone bank (called a bone graft). Screws, rods, or metal plates may be used to help hold the vertebrae together.

You are required to stay in the hospital for two to seven days following your spinal fusion surgery. You should aim to stay in Malaysia for about eight to ten more days for initial recovery, follow-up checkup, and for the stitches to be removed.

Recovery from spinal fusion surgery can take as long as six to twelve months. If your job is not physically demanding, you may be able to get back to work and some of your activities within 3-4 months, but make sure you consult your doctor about your recovery timeline to avoid any complications.

For the first six months following the surgery, you need to avoid bending, twisting, and heavy lifting. You will have physical therapy where you will learn how to move, sit, stand, and walk properly. You will also need to attend follow-up appointments after six weeks, six months, a year, or two years following your surgery, but you can do this with your local doctor. After you recover, you will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as having regular exercise and following a healthy diet.

Spinal fusion surgery is generally safe and effective. Approximately 80% to 95% of people who have spinal fusion are satisfied with the result and about 70% said that their pain is significantly reduced. However, as with any surgery, there are some potential side effects and risks, such as bleeding, blood clots, poor wound healing, infection, injury to nerves or blood vessels in and around the spine, pseudoarthrosis, tissue rejection, and risk from anesthesia. 

There are some alternatives that you can consider, such as artificial disk replacement surgery, Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET), and posterior dynamic stabilization. Make sure you discuss with your doctor the best options for you.