Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF)?
TRANSFORAMINAL INTERBODY FUSION (TLIF) SURGERY
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical procedure in which the front part of the lumbar spine is fused from the back. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower back to the side of, or lateral to, the spine.
Muscle tissue is retracted to reach the spine. Disc material is removed and a fusion graft is placed into the disc space. The graft is usually bone or a cage combined with bone. TLIF is most commonly performed for the treatment of painful disc degeneration or disruption. It may also be used in the treatment of other spinal conditions.
What to Expect
Once you have decided to have surgery:
- A medical examination.
- Chest X-ray, EKG, and blood work.
- You may be asked to have a neurological or psychological examination.
- If taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications daily, stop these medications at least one week before surgery.
- If you take prescription medications or other drugs, including herbals, ask your doctor how soon before surgery you should stop taking these.
- Do not have anything to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before surgery.
- You will check into the hospital the morning of surgery.
- Prior to surgery, you will be asked to sign permits for surgery, anesthesia, blood, and blood products.
The surgery takes approximately 1-3 hours:
- An incision is made in the low back area to the side of the spine.
- Fluoroscopy (live X-ray) is used to determine the correct level(s) to be operated on.
- The disc is approached after muscle tissue has been retracted out of the way.
- Disc tissue is removed.
- A fusion cage and/or bone graft is placed in the disc space.
- Normal compression of the spine will hold the bone or cage in place.
- Commonly, pedicle screws are placed to provide additional stability (see PLF).
You will be in the recovery room from 1 to 1½ hours:
- The surgeon will contact your family while you are in recovery.
- After going to a hospital room, you will be able to use a PCA pump to get medication for pain control. This machine controls the amount of medication that can be received.
- Staff will usually get you out of bed the same day as the surgery.
- The hospital stay is usually 2-3 days.
- A brace or corset is prescribed to restrict bending and promote healing of the fused area.
- You will be given any needed prescriptions and discharge instructions.
- A set of exercises that you can do at home will be provided.
- You will be able to ride in a car or plane upon leaving the hospital.
- It is important to avoid twisting and bending backward.
- Physical therapy is usually initiated after the first office visit with your doctor following surgery.
- Recovery from TLIF varies greatly among patients and is dependent on the extent of the surgery as well as the age and health of the individual.
- Return to work also varies greatly among patients and is related to overall health and the type of work you do. It is important to note that back pain is seldom completely eliminated – the objective with fusion surgery is to reduce pain.