Myelography
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Myelography is a specialized diagnostic imaging procedure that focuses on evaluating the spinal cord, nerve roots, and the surrounding structures within the spinal canal. It involves the injection of a contrast dye into the spinal column, enhancing the visualization of these structures when followed by imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans. It is particularly valuable in diagnosing conditions where traditional MRI scans may not be as effective or feasible, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, tumors, cysts, and nerve impingement.
During a myelography procedure, a radiologist injects a contrast medium into the space surrounding the spinal cord, known as the subarachnoid space. This allows for clear differentiation of the spinal structures on the subsequent imaging scans. The contrast medium flows within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), outlining the nerves, spinal cord, and any abnormalities or blockages in their path. The procedure provides detailed views of the spinal cord and its surroundings, assisting medical professionals in making accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Myelography is typically used when a patient experiences symptoms such as persistent back pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the limbs, and when MRI or CT scans are inconclusive or contraindicated. Given the detailed insights it provides into the spinal anatomy, myelography can be essential in guiding therapeutic interventions or surgical planning.
Procedure Duration
The duration of a myelography procedure varies, typically lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, but this time can extend depending on the complexity of the spinal issues being investigated and the patient's condition. Here’s a breakdown of the phases involved in myelography:
Preparation Phase
Before the procedure begins, the patient is prepped by having a thorough medical history taken, with emphasis on allergies (particularly to contrast dyes), current medications, and past spinal issues. The medical team may also perform blood tests to assess kidney function, ensuring the safe administration of contrast dye. Patients may be advised to fast for a few hours before the procedure and avoid certain medications, especially blood thinners.
Procedure Phase
The patient is positioned on a table, usually lying face down. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the injection site in the lower back. Once numbed, a needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space, and the contrast dye is introduced. During this injection, patients may be required to change positions to help the dye spread evenly through the CSF. After the dye is administered, the medical team captures a series of X-rays or CT images, using a specialized fluoroscope to provide real-time guidance.
Post-Procedure & Recovery Phase
After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for a few hours. They are advised to rest in an upright or semi-upright position to allow the contrast dye to circulate effectively and prevent headaches that can occur due to CSF leakage. Most patients can return home the same day, although they are instructed to avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours. Any minor discomfort or headache usually resolves within a couple of days.
Benefits of Myelography
- High-Resolution Imaging: Offers detailed visualization of the spinal cord, nerves, and CSF pathways, improving diagnostic accuracy.
- Alternative to MRI: Beneficial for patients who cannot undergo MRI scans due to implants, claustrophobia, or other contraindications.
- Guidance for Surgical Planning: Provides valuable information to surgeons for spinal interventions and surgeries.
- Detection of Obscure Abnormalities: Identifies abnormalities that may not be visible in other imaging modalities, such as arachnoid cysts.
- Minimally Invasive: Though it involves an injection, the procedure is minimally invasive with a short recovery time.
Potential Destinations for Myelography
- Germany
Renowned for its advanced healthcare infrastructure and cutting-edge imaging technologies, Germany offers myelography with state-of-the-art equipment. Patients can expect a thorough diagnostic process in highly specialized radiology centers.
- Singapore
Known for its exemplary medical standards and efficiency, Singapore is a leading destination for myelography. The country’s healthcare system boasts top-notch radiologists and imaging facilities, offering precise and reliable diagnostics.
- Turkey
Turkey has become a prominent hub for medical tourism, with world-class hospitals equipped to perform complex imaging studies like myelography. The country is known for offering affordable options without compromising quality.
- South Korea
A global leader in medical imaging and diagnostics, South Korea’s healthcare institutions are equipped with the latest technologies and skilled practitioners. Patients traveling for myelography can expect high-quality services in a well-established healthcare system.
- Spain
With its robust healthcare system and high standards of medical practice, Spain is an ideal destination for myelography. Spanish hospitals provide comprehensive care, from the diagnostic procedure to follow-up consultations, ensuring seamless experiences for medical tourists.
Risks & Considerations of Myelography
- Headache & Nausea: A common side effect, post-procedure headaches can occur due to CSF leakage but are generally temporary and manageable.
- Infection at Injection Site: Though rare, there is a risk of infection from the needle insertion, which is minimized by maintaining sterile conditions.
- Allergic Reaction to Contrast Dye: Some patients may experience mild to severe allergic reactions to the contrast material used. Medical teams are equipped to handle such cases.
- Neurological Symptoms: Potential for transient numbness, tingling, or pain radiating down the limbs due to irritation of spinal nerves during the injection.
- Seizures or Convulsions: Although highly uncommon, in susceptible patients, the contrast dye might provoke seizures. This is typically screened for in advance through medical history checks.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital for Myelography
When considering myelography abroad, selecting the right healthcare provider is crucial. Look for a hospital or radiology center with accreditation from internationally recognized organizations, as this ensures adherence to high medical standards. The facility should have access to the latest imaging equipment, and the radiologists performing the procedure should be highly trained with extensive experience in spine diagnostics.
It is also important to verify the facility’s post-procedure care protocols. A comprehensive care pathway, from pre-procedure assessment to recovery instructions, is essential to ensure the best outcomes. Additionally, seek hospitals or clinics that provide translators or patient coordinators to facilitate communication, making the medical experience smoother for international patients.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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