Spinal Surgery in Krakow

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 Krakow?

You may need to stay in Krakow 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 Krakow

About Kraków

Kraków is the second-largest and also one of the oldest cities in Poland. It was the official capital of the country until 1596 and has been one of the leading centers of Polish economic, academic, cultural, and artistic life. Named as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Kraków is brimming with stunning architecture, enthralling history, and riveting culture. Today, the city is at the forefront of Europe’s medical tourism. The most sought-after treatments are dentistry and cosmetic surgery. International medical tourists, particularly from neighboring countries, come to this city for its affordable procedures, fully organized healthcare system, and skilled specialists. 

Popular Parts of Kraków

Kraków is full of charm; from its cobbled streets and beautiful squares to stunning churches and a castle. The most popular part of the city is the Old Town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors who come to the Old Town can admire the Wawel Royal Castle, which is an architectural wonder in a medieval, renaissance, and baroque style. This castle is now a museum containing five separate sections. Another popular part of the Old town is the Main Market Square, which is the biggest medieval town square in Europe with a 15th century Town Hall Tower, a 16th-century Cloth Hall at the center, and a bronze statue of Polish 19th-century poet Adam Mickiewicz. Other popular parts of the city are Schindler’s Factory, the Underground Museum, and Auschwitz. 

Transport in Kraków

Kraków John Paul II International Airport is where most international tourists will arrive. It serves flights to numerous cities around Europe and the Middle East. The most affordable way to get around the city is by public buses and trams. Taxis are reasonably priced and comfortable, but make sure to use official taxis that use a meter as there are illegal taxis that will try to overcharge you. Uber is available and it is the cheapest option if you don’t want to take public transit. Bicycles are also popular in the city and bike rentals are widely available. 

Visas in Kraków

Poland is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia, can stay in Kraków for up to 90 days without a visa. EU citizens do not need a visa and can stay indefinitely. Citizens of other countries need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. 

Weather in Kraków

Summer, from June to August, is generally warm with an average temperature of about 25°C. The spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October) have great weather with milder temperatures. Note that spring is usually a bit rainier than other seasons. Winter can get pretty cold, with the temperatures dropping below 0.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Polish Zlotych (PLN). 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 3.8 PLN.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easy to find in Kraków. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Tipping is optional and not mandatory.
3. Local Language: Polish is the native language and English is widely spoken by younger people.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population adheres to Christianity. However, other religions, such as Judaism, are also present.
5. Public Holidays: Kraków celebrates various public holidays, including the New Year’s Day, Three King’s Day, Easter, Constitution Day, Corpus Christi, All Saints’ Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.