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Interbody fusion
Has anyone had a interbody fusion where they go through the front and move the bowels to repair discs. Then turn you over and continue the repair in the back? I am having several fears about this procedure. Especially about moving the bowels.
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@kjane322
That does sound scary and a long surgery.
What levels do you have disc herniations? Are they herniating in the front (anterior) and do you have osteophytes/bone spurs there? Did they say why they need tondi this procedure in 2 surgeries and can’t just approach from the back (posterior)?
Did they say if you have spondylolisthesis which is having vertebrae slipping over the vertebrae below?
I am 56, have had 2 cervical (c5-c6 in 2022 and c6-c7 in 2025) and 1 lumbar (l3-l5 in 2024) surgeries. I may need another cervical spine surgery and definitely need surgery on l2-l3 due to new disc issue and severe stenosis at that level causing pain/weakness in lower body. I was never told they needed to do my lumbar surgery approaching from both front and back and not sure the criteria is for when they needed to do it that way. May be good for you to ask many questions and have someone go to the appointment with you to help capture what is said and help you advocate for yourself. A 2nd and 3rd opinion may help you know your options and the risks associated with each.
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