Spinal Surgery in Cairo

Spinal surgery is any surgical procedure performed to correct possible structural abnormalities. Surgeons can move, fix, decompress, and, if necessary, replace vertebral structures through spinal surgery. This is only considered when conservative, non-surgical treatments have not worked and the pain remains persistent, preventing patients from living a normal life and reducing their quality of life. Some common conditions that may require spinal surgery are spinal deformation, compression of the spinal cord, herniated discs, and tumors of the spinal cord, cauda equine syndrome, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease.

There are numerous types of spinal surgery. The type of surgery you will receive depends on your disease or injury, the location, the level of damage, as well as your own characteristics. Some of the most common types of spinal surgery are as follows:

• Spinal fusion – during spinal fusion, your surgeon will join spinal bones (vertebrae) together to prevent pain caused by their movement against each other.
• Discectomy – your surgeon removes part of or the entire disc that slips out of place presses on a spinal nerve, and cause back pain.
• Laminectomy – most commonly used for lumbar spinal stenosis, this surgery involves the removal of parts of the bone, ligaments, or bone spurs in the back to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and ease the pain.
• Disc replacement – your surgeon removes the damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial one.
• Foraminotomy – bones at the sides of your vertebrae is cut away to widen the space where nerves exit the spine. Like laminectomy, this is done to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve and ease pain.
• Interlaminar implant –a U-shaped device is implanted between two vertebrae in your lower back to ease pressure on your spinal nerves by keeping the space between the vertebrae open. This is a minimally invasive alternative to laminectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Cairo?

You may need to stay in Cairo for at least 10 to 14 days following your surgery to allow for your body to recover and attend follow-up checkups, if necessary. During the follow-up checkup, your overall condition will be monitored and the surgical stitches will be removed. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery depends on the specific disease/injury you have, the type of spinal surgery you underwent, and your overall health. If you are healthy and your job is not physically demanding, you may be allowed to go back to work within 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. However, it takes at least 3 to 4 months for the bones to heal, and healing can continue for at least a year. During this period, there might be some restrictions on your activity. Remember, the recovery period is just as important as the surgery.

What Aftercare is Required?

Following all the instructions and recommendations provided by your surgical team is important to avoid complications and speed up your recovery process. You may need physical therapy following your surgery, which is aimed to restore the strength of your spine and help you return to everyday activities gradually. In certain cases, you may also need regular checkups. You can choose to undergo physical therapy and/or regular checkup at home in your local hospital if you prefer.

What's the Success Rate?

The success rate of spinal surgery, in terms of pain relief, is around 70% to 90%, depending on the type of surgery and the condition treated. The success and safety rate of spinal surgery is higher than it used to be and will continue to increase, thanks to the continuous advancement of spinal surgery. For example, today, many types of spinal surgery can be done minimally invasively. This means that no long incisions are needed, leading to shorter operative and recovery times. Still, there are risks you need to be aware of, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and persistent pain.

Are there Alternatives?

Spinal surgery is only considered when other treatments have not worked. If you do not want surgery, make sure to discuss this with your doctor for the best possible alternative. When surgery is not needed, you may take a pain reliever or even try acupuncture to help relieve the pain. 

Spinal Surgery in and around Cairo

About Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world is next to the Nile River. As home to the amazing Giza Pyramid complex and the ancient city of Memphis, this city is often associated with ancient Egypt. People from all around the world are drawn to this beautiful city, and they normally visit to get a closer look at its magical landmarks. However, aside from its history and culture, people also come to Cairo for its healthcare. The city is believed to have been one of the most popular medical tourism destinations since the Pharaonic era. It also enjoys an excellent reputation as a therapeutic destination and is filled with high-quality hospitals that are ready to handle and care for international patients. These hospitals are armed with innovative equipment, skilled specialists, and amazing services.

Popular Parts of Cairo

Cairo is a perfect combination of modern and ancient. Most people from all over the globe come to see the Great Pyramid of Giza. This awe-inspiring pyramid is one of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world that has been around for nearly 4000 years. Still in the same complex of the pyramid is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Another popular attraction is the Egyptian Museum, which has one of the most important collections of ancient artifacts in the world. In this museum, visitors can admire the gleaming treasures of Tutankhamun and other pharaohs, jewelry, toys, and mummies. Museum of Islamic Art and Al Azhar Mosque are other must-visit places within the city. 

Transport in Cairo

Cairo International Airport is the primary international gateway to Cairo. It serves both domestic and international flights to Asia and Europe. Several budget airlines, including Flynas and FlyEgypt, operate flights from this airport. Cairo has an effective and dependable public transport system. Buses and metro are available. Both are relatively affordable and comfortable. Taxis and Uber are plentiful. Taxis are normally metered, but some taxis refuse to use the meters. Therefore, always insist on using the meter or agree on a fare before commencing your journey.

Visas in Cairo

Visa exemption is given to citizens of several countries, such as Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption agreement must obtain a visa. Visa on arrival is available for several countries, including Japan and Australia. Egypt also provides an electronic visa for citizens of 46 countries.

Weather in Cairo

Cairo experiences a hot desert climate. Summer (May to October) is typically very hot with an average temperature of around 35°C. This temperature can sometimes exceed 40°C and comes with high humidity. Winter (November to April) brings pleasant and colder temperatures.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). 1 USD converts to 15.7 EGP.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found easily around the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in the midrange and high-end businesses. Tipping is generally expected.
3. Local Language: The official language is Classical Arabic, but the most widely spoken is Egyptian Arabic. English is also widely spoken in the city.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam is the state religion and it is the biggest religion in Cairo. However, there are also small groups of Jews and Christian in the city.
5. Public Holidays: Several religious and national holidays are celebrated in Cairo, including Eid, Coptic Christmas Day, and Revolution Day.