Spinal Surgery in Bahamas

Spinal surgery is any surgical procedure performed to correct possible structural abnormalities. Surgeons can move, fix, decompress, and, if necessary, replace vertebral structures through spinal surgery. This is only considered when conservative, non-surgical treatments have not worked and the pain remains persistent, preventing patients from living a normal life and reducing their quality of life. Some common conditions that may require spinal surgery are spinal deformation, compression of the spinal cord, herniated discs, and tumors of the spinal cord, cauda equine syndrome, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease.

There are numerous types of spinal surgery. The type of surgery you will receive depends on your disease or injury, the location, the level of damage, as well as your own characteristics. Some of the most common types of spinal surgery are as follows:

• Spinal fusion – during spinal fusion, your surgeon will join spinal bones (vertebrae) together to prevent pain caused by their movement against each other.
• Discectomy – your surgeon removes part of or the entire disc that slips out of place presses on a spinal nerve, and cause back pain.
• Laminectomy – most commonly used for lumbar spinal stenosis, this surgery involves the removal of parts of the bone, ligaments, or bone spurs in the back to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and ease the pain.
• Disc replacement – your surgeon removes the damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial one.
• Foraminotomy – bones at the sides of your vertebrae is cut away to widen the space where nerves exit the spine. Like laminectomy, this is done to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve and ease pain.
• Interlaminar implant –a U-shaped device is implanted between two vertebrae in your lower back to ease pressure on your spinal nerves by keeping the space between the vertebrae open. This is a minimally invasive alternative to laminectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Bahamas?

You may need to stay in Bahamas for at least 10 to 14 days following your surgery to allow for your body to recover and attend follow-up checkups, if necessary. During the follow-up checkup, your overall condition will be monitored and the surgical stitches will be removed. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery depends on the specific disease/injury you have, the type of spinal surgery you underwent, and your overall health. If you are healthy and your job is not physically demanding, you may be allowed to go back to work within 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. However, it takes at least 3 to 4 months for the bones to heal, and healing can continue for at least a year. During this period, there might be some restrictions on your activity. Remember, the recovery period is just as important as the surgery.

What Aftercare is Required?

Following all the instructions and recommendations provided by your surgical team is important to avoid complications and speed up your recovery process. You may need physical therapy following your surgery, which is aimed to restore the strength of your spine and help you return to everyday activities gradually. In certain cases, you may also need regular checkups. You can choose to undergo physical therapy and/or regular checkup at home in your local hospital if you prefer.

What's the Success Rate?

The success rate of spinal surgery, in terms of pain relief, is around 70% to 90%, depending on the type of surgery and the condition treated. The success and safety rate of spinal surgery is higher than it used to be and will continue to increase, thanks to the continuous advancement of spinal surgery. For example, today, many types of spinal surgery can be done minimally invasively. This means that no long incisions are needed, leading to shorter operative and recovery times. Still, there are risks you need to be aware of, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and persistent pain.

Are there Alternatives?

Spinal surgery is only considered when other treatments have not worked. If you do not want surgery, make sure to discuss this with your doctor for the best possible alternative. When surgery is not needed, you may take a pain reliever or even try acupuncture to help relieve the pain. 

Spinal Surgery in and around Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago and country on the northwestern edge of the West Indies. Having more than 700 beautiful, palm-fringed islands, this country is known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, crystal clear waters, a myriad of bird species, and historic towns. With everything that it has to offer, it is easy to see why the Bahamas welcomes millions of visitors each year. Besides honeymooners, divers, and beach-goers, the Bahamas is also popular among medical tourists thanks to its exceptionally high-quality services. The country’s booming medical tourism industry is driven by its highly-skilled medical professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, combined with cost-effective medical care and the opportunity to recuperate in beautiful surroundings. Cosmetic and plastic surgeries, total knee replacements, and cardiac surgeries are some of the most popular procedures in the Bahamas. 

Popular Parts of the Bahamas

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is one of the chief pleasure resorts in the world. Known as the Bahamas’ crown jewel, it boasts a vibrant culture, breathtaking natural landscape, and rich history. Its signature attraction is the beaches, and the most popular is Cable Beach. With striking white sands and blue waters, this peaceful and beautiful beach is the perfect place to relax and sunbathe. Freeport is also a famous destination in the Bahamas. With its diving sites and world-class restaurants, there are many things to see and do in this city. The main draw of Freeport is its beaches. Some of the most popular are Taino and Fortune Beach.

Weather and Climate in the Bahamas

The Bahamas experiences a tropical climate and the average temperatures will stay the same all year round, between 24°C - 29°C. There are generally two seasons in the country: dry and wet. The dry season, from November to June, is mostly sunny and pleasant. However, it tends to be very crowded during this season, especially from mid-December to mid-April. The wet season spans from July to November. This season sees an increase in rainfall, but there are still many sunny days. The Bahamas also has a hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. 

Getting around in the Bahamas

The largest international gateway to the Bahamas is Lynden Pindling International Airport, which is located near the capital city of Nassau, in western New Providence Island. It serves flights to numerous major cities in the Americas and Europe, including New York, Atlanta, and London. The easiest and quickest way to get around is by plane, especially to travel from one island to another. In Nassau and Freeport, the main transport option is the jitneys (private minibusses). In Out Islands, no public transport is available. The best way to get around inside the islands is by taxis or rental cars. However, taxis are often quicker and easier than driving on your own. Ferries and water taxis are all available.

Tourist Visas in the Bahamas

Citizens of 120 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, Canada, China, the US, and the UK, can visit and stay in the Bahamas for up to 3 months without a visa unless stated otherwise. Nationals not listed in the visa-exempt agreement need to obtain a visa to be able to visit the Bahamas. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is the official currency, which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Bahamian dollar and US dollars are accepted interchangeably in the country.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available on the major islands and can usually be found in airport terminals and at banks. Credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is expected, usually around 15% for taxi drivers and waiters, and $1-$3 for bag porters and hotel maids. 
3. Local Language: English is the official language in the Bahamas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Bahamians are deeply religious and the biggest religion is Christianity. However, the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and other religions are freely practiced. 
5. Public holidays: Some of the most important holidays in the Bahamas are Whit Monday, National Heroes Day,  Randol Fawkes Labour Day, Emancipation Day,  Independence Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Majority Rule Day.