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Lumbar Procedures in Carmel, IN Corpectomy

Introduction to Lumbar Corpectomy

Reconstruct the Spine After Vertebral Damage

A lumbar corpectomy is a surgical technique to remove a portion of the vertebral bone and disc material between the vertebrae with the goal of alleviating pressure on the neurologic structures in the lower back. The term corpectomy is based on the Latin ‘corpus’ meaning ‘body’ and the word ‘ectomy’ meaning ‘removal’.

At the Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Peter Swiatek performs corpectomy to relieve discomfort, optimize spinal stability, and improve overall quality of life.

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What Is a Lumbar Corpectomy?

When more conservative treatments have not provided the desired relief, Dr. Swiatek can perform a lumbar corpectomy to alleviate pain, discomfort, and pressure in the lower back. Common causes of nerve compression can include:

  • Degenerative spinal conditions like herniated discs
  • Spinal fractures
  • Tumors
  • Infections

During surgery, Dr. Swiatek removes a portion of the affected vertebral body and adjacent disc material to relieve pressure on the neurologic structures. The removed portion of the spine is then reconstructed with an implant and bone graft to restore support and provide a foundation for fusion. Additional instrumentation, such as screws and rods, is typically used to stabilize the treated area while fusion develops. For complex procedures such as lumbar corpectomy, Dr. Swiatek typically works with a vascular surgeon who provides access to the lumbar spine from the front or side.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Lumbar Corpectomy?

Dr. Swiatek will provide an in-depth medical and physical evaluation during your initial consultation in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN, to determine whether a lumbar corpectomy is the best treatment for your needs. We may perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. In general, the procedure is suggested for those with the following concerns:

  • Trauma, fractures, tumors, or infection in the lower back
  • Nerve or spinal cord compression
  • Weakness and numbness in the legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control due to spinal pressure
  • Poor alignment and instability in the lower spine
  • Failure to respond to more conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections

What Are the Benefits of a Lumbar Corpectomy?

When choosing Dr. Swiatek for a lumbar corpectomy in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, patients can access a wide range of benefits. These include:

  • Decompresses the nerves, alleviating ongoing pain and discomfort
  • Combats numbness and weakness in the legs by removing bone or disc fragments that are pressing on the neural elements
  • Corrects issues in the back related to disease or trauma
  • Helps restore spinal height, alignment, and stability using an implant, bone graft, and spinal instrumentation as needed
  • Provides structural reconstruction when a vertebra has been significantly compromised by fracture, tumor, infection, or another serious condition
  • Enhances mobility, comfort, and quality of life
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How to Begin Your Lumbar Corpectomy Journey

Your treatment journey at the Indiana Spine Group begins with a personalized consultation. You can expect the following steps:

  • A thorough medical assessment that includes diagnostic imaging like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
  • A discussion about your symptoms and concerns
  • A look at the potential risks, downtime, costs, and outcomes of a corpectomy
  • The formulation of a customized surgical plan
  • An overview of how you can best prepare for your procedure

What to Expect on the Day of a Lumbar Corpectomy

At the start of your day in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN, we will administer general anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain or discomfort and rest deeply throughout your procedure.

Dr. Swiatek will work with a vascular surgeon to create an incision along the abdomen or side of the body, providing access to the affected portion of the lumbar spine. Dr. Swiatek will then remove the necessary portion of the vertebral body and adjacent disc material to decompress the affected neurologic structures. An implant containing bone graft is placed within the resulting space to reconstruct the spinal column, restore support, and promote fusion. Additional instrumentation may be used to maintain alignment and stability.

After the corpectomy portion of the procedure is completed, Dr. Swiatek will typically augment the reconstruction with screws and rods placed from the back of the spine. This provides additional stability while fusion develops. In some cases, an open posterior approach may also be necessary for additional nerve decompression. Dr. Swiatek will discuss the planned approach with you before surgery.

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Lumbar Corpectomy Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Lumbar Corpectomy Care

After a lumbar corpectomy, you will typically experience improvement in some or all of your nerve-related symptoms. This may be immediate or gradual. You will be able to move and walk around within the first day or so after surgery. However, the rate at which you return to full activity and work can depend on a variety of factors, including your body’s healing rate, your occupation, and Dr. Swiatek’s recommendations. The doctor will provide a detailed aftercare plan and prescriptions for oral painkillers. He will also schedule you for a series of follow-up visits, which are integral to the success of your treatment plan.

How Much Does a Lumbar Corpectomy Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo?

Pricing for a corpectomy in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo can vary. The complexity of your surgical plan and the severity of your condition can also influence pricing. Most corpectomy cases are covered by insurance. Our billing department is available to answer any questions that you may have regarding cost.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon who treats degenerative cervical, thoracic, and lumbar conditions as well as spinal deformity, trauma, tumors, and complex revision cases. His experience with complex spinal reconstruction is particularly relevant for procedures such as lumbar corpectomy, which may require decompression, reconstruction, fusion, and instrumentation as part of the same surgical plan.

Dr. Swiatek completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and his spine surgery fellowship at the Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He emphasizes evidence-based, patient-specific treatment and considers conservative care whenever appropriate. When surgery is necessary, the procedure is planned around the underlying condition, spinal anatomy, and amount of reconstruction required.

Dr. Swiatek also has experience with advanced spine surgery technologies, including CT-guided navigation and robotics. His academic work includes more than 55 peer-reviewed publications, and he is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), North American Spine Society (NASS), and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).

Corpectomy FAQ’S

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Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

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Training Background

Dr. Swiatek graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in neurobiology. He then graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI, where he was included on the Dean’s commendation list for excellence in clinical skills.

Dr. Swiatek pursued his orthopedic surgery training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL, ranked as one of the country’s most elite and renowned orthopedic and neurosurgical spine centers. After his residency, Dr. Swiatek completed a competitive spine surgery fellowship at the prestigious Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.