Patients are initially evaluated by a physiatrist to make sure all NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS including physical therapy and non-narcotic pain management are exhausted prior to considering a surgical solution. In this section, we discuss which patients should undergo surgery.
Surgical Options
Lumbar Microdiskectomy
This surgery is done for patients with lumbar radiculopathy from a disc herniation or foraminal stenosis. Patients are put to sleep with general anesthesia and then turned prone (face down). The level localized through X-Ray and accessed through a small incision in the lower back measuring 1.5 inches in length. Using a microscope, a small amount of the lamina is removed and the disc space identified. The disc fragment is then removed, leaving the majority of the non-herniated disc intact.
The surgery takes approximately 45 minutes. Patients usually go home the same day.
Lumbar Laminectomy
This surgery is done for patients who have lumbar stenosis presenting with Neurogenic Claudication. MRI shows compression of the nerve roots centrally at one or multiple levels. During surgery, the lamina are removed as well as a small part of the facet joint to decompress the nerves and thecal sac.
The surgery takes approximately 45 minutes. Patients usually go home the same day.
Lumbar Laminectomy with Interspinous Device
Similar to a Lumbar Laminectomy, but the spinous process is preserved, the lamina is removed through a Laminotomy rather than laminectomy. A device is placed in between the spinous process to prevent further movement and reduce the likelihood of recurrent stenosis.
The surgery takes approximately 45 minutes. Patients usually go home the same day.
Lumbar Fusion & Decompression (TLIF)
Patients undergo a laminectomy followed by pedicle screw fixation and interbody stabilization. This is the procedure of choice for any patient with instability, severe degeneration or spondylolisthesis.
The surgery takes approximately 60 – 90 minutes and patients go home the next day.
Lateral Lumbar Fusion & Decompression (XLIF)
Also known as an XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion), is an approach to the spine through lateral flank. It is
most commonly used to operate upon the L2-3, L3-4 and sometimes L45 levels. Most surgeons have seen success in using this procedure for adjacent segment disease after a previous fusion. For instance, a patient undergoes a fusion at L4-5 and later develops stenosis at L3-4. Rather than extend the fusion, an XLIF can be performed in a short period of time, minimal surgical exposure, and with the patient going home the next day.
The surgery takes approximately 60 minutes. Patients usually go home the same day.
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Faith SchwenkerMarch 22, 2022Dr. Abraham’s did my surgery and it was a great success. After nearly 8 years of pain, I finally found a doctor who could help me. My sciatica nerve was compressing my L4 and L5 which was giving me pain and a very poor quality of life. Not only does Dr. Abraham’s have a great bedside manner, but also he certainly knows the complexities of the spine. Thank you so much for giving me my life back!! P.S. I have referred his name to several of my friends and they too have had a successful outcome!!
Kathleen CullyMay 28, 2021Dr. Abrahams is an extremely compassionate and highly skilled neurosurgeon who, along with Dr. C. Shannon, saved my husband's life by removing a complicated malignant metastatic brain tumor during a very long surgery. In addition, Dr. Abrahams has been my surgeon for several spinal procedures and I trust him with my life.
Kathleen DarcyFebruary 22, 2021My experience was great 😊. Dr Abraham was fabulous.
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DaleFebruary 15, 2021😷 Dr Abrahams is THE BEST! He is the absolute best brain & spine surgeon by far! His group is beyond excellent! My back & neck had been fractured in an accident, and I made the mistake of seeing a "spine doctor on Tarrytown Road," who did not want to see me again unless I needed more surgery! I was outright denied an appointment, even after this "doctor" performed a lumbar laminectomy on me!!!😡 I was miserable and in excruciating pain. Then everything changed.... 🙏THANK GOD I FOUND DR ABRAHAMS! He took all the time he needed with me to come up with a new plan and thoroughly explained the correct surgery I needed. I had a fractured sacrum, lower back S1, right up to L5, needing spinal fusion. I also had cervical herniations. My life changed after Dr Abrahams took care of my surgery, his office still checks up on me to make sure I'm doing well. The office and entire staff is so helpful, friendly and caring. I recommend Dr Abrahams on a regular basis to people I meet that have brain or spine problems. Dr Abrahams is also BRILLIANT. He is the creator of many medical devices that he received patents for. When you go in his office your eyes won't know what to look at first he has so many awards & patents. He's a MUST GO TO doctor! He changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him, Lisa (his personal coordinator), and his entire staff, fellow doctors that are also in group with Dr Abrahams. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM as well as the doctors in practice within his group. You will get the best care by far.😊
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