XLIF (eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used for lumbar fusion. Like other types of lumbar interbody fusion, damaged lumbar discs are removed prior to fusing the affected vertebrae together. However, XLIF is performed by entering the disc space through the side of the abdomen. Unlike an anterior lumbar interbody fusion, however, the location of the incision does not require the displacement of any organs or blood vessels.
Did You Know?
Using a lateral approach to lumbar fusion is a minimally invasive technique that minimizes tissue damage, blood loss, and postoperative discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for XLIF (extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) surgery?
You may be a candidate for XLIF surgery if you have a symptomatic damaged lumbar disc. A lateral approach is generally used for treating degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, or stenosis. However, it is only ideal for conditions affecting L1-L4/5. To find out if extreme lateral interbody fusion is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pranay Patel at one of our South Bay, Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Manhattan Beach locations.
What can I expect when having XLIF (extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) surgery at Ocean Spine with Dr. Pranay Patel?
You can expect your XLIF surgery to be performed at a hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. The first part of your surgery (discectomy) will be performed by making an incision on the side of your abdomen to access the affected area. Once the abdomen is accessed, the muscles that wrap around the lumbar spine will be gently retracted to gain access to the spine. At this point, any bone spurs or damaged discs will then be removed from the treatment area.
The second part of the surgery (fusion) will then be performed by placing a bone graft into the empty spaces left by the removed tissues. Bone grafts may be obtained from your bone, a donor, or using a synthetic bone graft compound. To provide additional support, the bone graft is usually placed in a metal, plastic, or bone spacer or cage. The incision will then be closed with sutures.
What can I expect after having transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery?
After your surgery, you will wake up in recovery where you will be monitored as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. In most cases, you can expect to remain in the hospital for 1-3 days while you work on moving around. Oftentimes, you must be able to sit up, move, and walk in order to be discharged.
As you start the recovery process, it is normal to have some pain. Dr. Pranay Patel will provide you with the necessary pain medications to manage any post-operative discomfort. You will also be provided with a list of instructions to follow until you have recovered. Generally, these include guidelines on wearing a back brace, attending physical therapy, and avoiding activities that strain your spine, like lifting or twisting. While most patients recover in about 4-6 weeks, it takes a full 12-18 months for the vertebrae to completely fuse. Because of this, there may be certain activity restrictions that last longer than 4-6 weeks.