Spinal decompression surgery in South Wales

Why choose Nuffield Health, The Vale Hospital for your spinal decompression procedure?

At Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals, our experienced spinal surgeons are nationally recognised for their exemplary care and successful patient outcomes for a range of spine, neck and back procedures.

As well as expert advice, our leading spinal surgeons can provide you with rapid access to spinal decompression surgery if you are suffering with moderate to severe spinal stenosis.

Spinal decompression surgery is often performed as an alternative procedure to laminectomy, as the treatment is quicker and relatively less invasive.

How to book a private consultation at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals

If you are suffering from spinal stenosis and want to discuss your treatment options with one of our consultants in either Cardiff or Vale, you will need to book a private consultation via our dedicated hospital enquiry team on 02920 005694.

Please let the enquiry handler know if you have had any recent X-rays or scans when booking your consultation, as there will be additional charges for any diagnostic imaging required.

Our 2 hospital locations in South Wales allow you to shape your own spinal treatment

Most in-patient spinal procedures are performed at our Vale Hospital, however patients have the flexibility to decide where their initial consultation takes place.

As well as the Vale Hospital, our orthopaedic consultants operate out of Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital for initial consultations, outpatient procedures and all diagnostic imaging.

Subsequently, you can choose which of our two locations you want to undertake your post surgery physiotherapy and aftercare with.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal canal contains the nerves that leave the spinal cord. A combination of arthritis in the spine or bulging (herniation) of the discs or (in rarer cases) spondylolisthesis (where a vertebra slips forward or backward) or spinal tumours can cause this narrowing. Decompression is performed to release nerves trapped by this narrowing.

Initially your consultant may recommend anti-inflammatory medication for pain. If you have pain down your leg that is caused by pressure on the nerve in your lower back (sciatica), your surgeon may recommend a steroid injection in your spine.

What happens during lumbar spinal decompression

You will probably have an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis and help your surgeon plan your operation.

Decompression is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your lower back. They will remove enough bone and tissue to free the trapped nerves. They will close the incision with stitches and dress the wound.

After your spinal decompression

Immediately after your surgery you will be taken to the recovery area. Staff will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. If you are in any pain be sure and tell the recovery room staff. When you are stable a nurse will take you to your room.

Back in your private room

• Once you are back in your room, our nursing team will continue to check on you to make sure you are recovering well. After you’ve recovered from any effects of the anaesthetic, you can have something to eat and drink
• Some patients have difficulty passing urine after decompression surgery. If you are in any discomfort please tell a member of our Healthcare Team
• You will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible - usually within 24 hours of your operation
• A physiotherapist will visit you to advise you on any restrictions and give you exercises to help you regain mobility. You may be advised to avoid bending, twisting or lifting anything heavy for the first six weeks following surgery.

Going home after spinal decompression surgery

• The length of your stay in hospital will depend on the degree of decompression performed. Be sure and discuss this with your surgeon
• Any stitches or staples will be removed 10 - 14 days after your operation
• You will not be able to drive or return to work until you are released to do so at your follow-up appointment with your consultant. Please arrange for someone to take you home on the day of your discharge
• You may feel very tired and sore for the first few weeks. It is important to rest and allow your body to heal
• You will be encouraged to walk during your recovery. Start with short distances and build up slowly. Avoid sitting for long periods. Keeping mobile will help you to avoid DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following spinal decompression. As with any surgery there can be complications:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (incision)
• Scarring
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
• Difficulty passing urine
• Chest infection.

Specific complications of spinal decompression:

• Bleeding in the spinal column
• Continued pain or numbness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Infection in the spine
• Nerve damage
• Leaking of spinal fluid.