What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis (spinal stenosis) is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. The spine has a spinal canal, a channel through which nerves pass. When this canal narrows, the nerves are compressed, which can lead to neurological problems such as pain, numbness, weakness and sometimes paralysis. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the widening of the spinal joints and thickening of the connective tissues due to aging. In addition, slipped vertebrae, tumors or congenital structural problems can also lead to the development of spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis usually occurs in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) or neck (cervical stenosis). While narrowing in the lumbar region can cause problems such as pain and weakness in the legs, narrowing in the neck region can lead to complaints such as arm pain, numbness and loss of strength.

How is Spinal Cord Narrow Canal Surgery Performed?
Surgical intervention in the treatment of spinal stenosis is preferred in patients who have pressure on the nerves due to narrowing and other treatment methods (physical therapy, medication, etc.) have been inadequate. Surgery is performed to remove the narrowing and reduce the pressure on the nerves. Such surgical interventions are usually performed with microsurgical techniques or minimally invasive methods, but in some cases more traditional open surgical methods may be used.

Spinal Narrow Canal Surgery Process:

1. Preparation and Anesthesia:
   The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The patient is completely asleep and no pain is felt during the procedure. In some cases, local anesthesia or regional anesthesia may also be used. After anesthesia, the patient is placed in the appropriate position determined by the surgeon.
2. Surgical Intervention:
   Surgery is done using various techniques to open the narrowed canal. There are two main methods:
   • Laminectomy The connective tissues, bones or other structures between the vertebrae are removed to relieve the narrowing of the spinal canal. In this procedure, pieces of bone or connective tissue that cause the narrowing are removed.
   • Microdiscectomy or Microlaminectomy: This minimally invasive technique is an operation with smaller incisions. Using a microscope and special surgical instruments, a more precise intervention is performed on the nerve roots.

   Sometimes, to ensure stability:

   • Fixation and stabilization: If there is a spinal displacement, stabilization can be achieved by using screws and plates between the vertebrae. This ensures proper alignment and healing of the spine.
3. Recovery and Rehabilitation:
   After surgery, patients usually stay in hospital for a few days. They slowly start to walk and increase physical activities. Physical therapy plays an important role in the recovery process. Patients can perform specific exercises to ensure spinal stability and take medications for pain management throughout the recovery process. The full recovery process may vary depending on the patient’s age, type of surgery and general health.

Conditions and Symptoms Requiring Spinal Stenosis Surgery:

Spinal stenosis surgery is usually performed in the following cases

• Severe Pain Constant pain and burning sensation in the lower back or neck.
• Limitation of Movement: Difficulty walking, loss of balance, weakness and numbness in the legs.
• Nerve Damage: Muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, weakness in the legs or arm pain.
• Conditions that make independent living difficult: Surgical intervention may be required if the conditions that do not respond to medication and physical therapy seriously affect the quality of life of the person.

Why Metropol Health Group?

Metropol Health Group offers safe and effective treatment to its patients with its experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art technology devices in spinal cord narrow canal surgeries.

• Experienced Specialist Staff: Treatment services are provided by neurosurgery teams specialized in spine diseases and surgery.
• Minimally Invasive Methods: Surgical techniques that offer high success rates with minimal invasion and fast recovery processes.
• Individual Treatment Plans: Special treatment and recovery plan is prepared for each patient. Patient-oriented approach and personalized treatment process are followed.
• Modern Equipment: The most accurate and safe treatment is provided with state-of-the-art equipment used in spine and nerve surgery.

Metropol Health Group offers a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of spinal stenosis, aiming to both reduce the pain of patients and improve their quality of life.