What is Alif procedure?
What is Alif procedure?
An ALIF is a spinal operation where the spine is approached from the front rather than from the back. It is performed through the abdomen, usually with the assistance of a vascular surgeon to move the major blood vessels out of the way. The disc is removed and pressure on the nerves can be relieved.
How is anterior lumbar fusion done?
During anterior fusion, an incision is made in the front of the belly. A vascular surgeon and spine surgeon work as a team. The vascular surgeon clears a path to the spine, moving aside the vessels to the legs. The spine surgeon removes the damaged disc and fills the space between the bones with a spacer bone graft.
Which is better Alif or Tlif?
Blood loss and operative time in ALIF was greater than in TLIF. There was no significant difference in the complication rate between ALIF and TLIF. The restoration of disc height, segmental lordosis, and whole lumbar lordosis in ALIF was superior to TLIF.
Why is Alif done?
An ALIF is most commonly done to treat lumbar degenerative disc disease, in which a degenerated disc becomes painful. It may be done for other indications and may be combined with a posterior approach as well, if added stability is needed.
How successful is Alif surgery?
In general terms ALIFs (anterior lumbar interbody fusion) and PLIFs (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) have a success rate of about 70%. Success itself is not easy to define, but I suggest to my patients that they have a good chance of a significant reduction of pain.
How long does pain last after Alif surgery?
You will feel the initial post- operative soreness for at least a few weeks after surgery and that is generally how long it can take to return to desk/office type work. More physical work may require up to 6 weeks recovery to feel up to that level of activity.
What is the success rate for Alif surgery?
How much does Alif surgery cost?
These costs depend on the length of the hospital stay, anesthesia fees, operating room fees and surgeon’s fees. In Korea, the cost for the ALIF procedure costs approximately $22,000, including a 7 to 10-day hospital stay.
What to expect after Alif surgery?
What to Expect at Home. After a diskectomy or foraminotomy, you may still feel pain, numbness, or weakness along the path of the nerve that was under pressure. These symptoms should get better in a few weeks. Recovery after laminectomy and fusion surgery is longer. You will not be able to return to activities as quickly.
What are the complications with alif surgery?
Potential Risks and Complications with ALIF Surgery. Damage to these large blood vessels may result in excessive blood loss. Quoted rates in the medical literature put this risk at 1% to 15%, although this should be an uncommon complication in the hands of experienced vascular and spine surgeons.
What is the average recovery time for L5 S1 fusion surgery?
Recovery time varies for patients who undergo spinal fusion surgery, however many patients return home within two to four days following surgery, according to Mayfield Clinic.