Spinal Surgery in Italy

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 Italy?

You may need to stay in Italy 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 Italy

Italy, a country in south-central Europe, boasts some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes in the world with the greatest collection of art treasures. The mere mention of Italy conjures up images of ancient Roman ruins, leaning tower of Pisa, stunning isles, rolling vineyards, and authentic cuisines. Besides its charming landscape, delicious food, and historical monuments, Italy is a popular spot for foreign patients to receive medical treatments. Its reputation for cutting-edge, high-quality treatment is growing rapidly. Although it is not the cheapest medical tourism destination, it is known for its highly qualified doctors and surgeons, as well as medical facilities that are equipped with the latest medical technology. Cosmetic surgery, hair transplant treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and cancer treatment are among the most popular treatments in the country.

Popular Parts of Italy

Rome, the capital of Italy, is the birthplace of Julius Caesar and is filled with Roman ruins, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Forum. It is also home to Vatican City, the beautiful Sistine Chapel, the romantic Trevi Fountain, and picturesque restaurants filled with great food. Venice, another popular city in the country, is famous for its canals, gondola rides, and St. Mark's Basilica. On the west coast of Italy, visitors can find the Cinque Terre, which consists of five dramatically located hamlets. It is dotted with steep vineyards, mountains, and beautiful beaches. The fashion capital of Italy is Milan, the ancient towns of Pompeii, Naples, and stunning Florence with its Renaissance art are also popular tourist destinations. 

Weather and Climate in Italy

Italy has a variable climate, so different areas can experience different weather. In general, the country has four seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Summer has marvelous weather, with sunny days and warm nights. Autumn brings cooler temperatures to the country, while the winter can be chilly or freezing, depending on the area. In spring, the temperatures start to get warmer.

Getting around in Italy

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the main gateway airport in Italy. It connects the country with numerous domestic and international destinations, including London, Beijing, Paris, New York, and Moscow. Many international visitors fly to the Milan Malpensa International Airport as well. Transport in Italy is reasonably priced and efficient. An extensive network of domestic flights is available, making it the quickest and most convenient way to travel around. Trains cover many areas across the country and have frequent departures. There are also high-speed trains connecting major cities. Although buses are slower than trains, they are cheaper and covers areas not served by trains. All major cities have good transport systems, with the bus, metro, and tram networks. In Venice, the vaporetti (small passenger ferries) are the main public transport option. Taxis are widely available and are moderately priced.

Tourist Visas in Italy

Since Italy is part of the Schengen area, nationals of EU countries do not need a visa to visit regardless of their purpose and/or length of stay. Citizens of Canada, Australia, the US, Hong Kong, South Korea, the UAE, and several other countries do not need a visa to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption countries will need to apply for a visa before visiting.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The euro (€) is the official currency of Italy. The exchange rate from €1 is approximately US$1.17.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs can be found easily throughout Italy, but make sure to be vigilant when making cash withdrawals in tourist areas since pickpocketing is common. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not expected. However, you can always tip an extra 10% to 15% for exceptional service.
3. Local Language: Italian is the official and most commonly spoken language in Italy. English is not widely spoken, except in larger cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Roman Catholicism makes up around 80% of the population. The other 20% is made up of Muslims, agnostics, and atheists. 
5. Public holidays: Italy mostly celebrates Christian holidays. Some of the most important are Epiphany, Pasquetta, Saints Day, Liberation Day, and Christmas.