Spinal Decompression Surgery/ Lumbar Decompression Surgery

DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Spinal Decompression Surgery/ Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Spinal decompression surgery is generally effective in treating compressed nerves by relieving pressure. With proper postoperative treatment and rehabilitation, you will be able to resume normal activities and restore former mobility and function.

Why Is Spinal Decompression Surgery Performed?

Spinal or lumbar decompression surgery is a type of surgery to treat compressed nerves in the lower spine. It is generally performed when symptoms of spinal conditions do not respond well to non-surgical treatment options such as physical therapy or medication.

Alternatively, surgery may also be required if the pain experienced is so severe that it impedes your daily tasks and movements to a large extent.

What to Expect During Spinal Decompression Surgery?

The primary goal of spinal decompression surgery is to relieve pressure on the damaged spinal cord or nerves while maintaining the function and strength of the spine as much as possible.

Before the surgery, a general health assessment will be conducted, including diagnostic and imaging tests such as x-rays, MRI scans and blood tests. There are various types of spinal decompression surgeries that can be performed, depending on the type of spinal problem experienced.

Discectomy

This surgical procedure involves the partial or complete removal of a damaged intervertebral disc (spongy cushions that separate the bones of your spine) to relieve pressure on surrounding nerves.

Laminectomy (Laminotomy)

Laminectomy (or laminotomy) involves the complete or partial removal of bones from one of your spinal bones (lamina) to reduce stress on the affected nerve and spinal cord.

Foraminotomy

During a foraminotomy, bones and tissues on the edge of the opening of your spinal column (foramen) are removed. This expands the space for nerve roots to pass through.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion surgery involves joining two or more vertebrae together by placing a bone graft and surgical hardware (screws or connecting rods) between them. A bone graft is a replacement bone tissue typically taken from the hip or a donated bone. This increases stability in your spinal column, preventing further nerve irritation and pressure.

Possible Complications

Nerve or tissue damage
Deep vein thrombosis
Bone graft migration (if metal hardware is not used to secure the bones)

What Happens After Surgery?

The recovery period after surgery is dependent on your fitness level, the severity of the spinal damage and the extent of the surgery.

Generally, you will be discharged from the hospital after about 1 to 4 days, while it may take up to 6 weeks to achieve your expected level of function and mobility.

Why Do Patients Choose
Dr Ong Kee Leong?

Dr. Ong Is Passionate In Sports, Giving Him A Deep Understanding Of Sports-Related Injuries And How They Can Be Treated
Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised & Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries & Degenerative Conditions Of Shoulder & Knee Joints
Knowledgeable and pleasant clinical staff to assist you with your every need detailed aftercare plan
Our Care Is Conveniently Accessible At Mount Elizabeth Novena and Farrer Park Hospital
Minimal Waiting Time For Initial Consultation
Assistance With Medical Claims (e.g. Medisave & Integrated Shield Plans)

“At our clinic, we generally try to explore non-surgical treatment such as activities modification, physiotherapy and orthotics before recommending invasive intervention options.”

DR ONG KEE LEONG

About Dr. Ong Kee Leong

Senior Consultant, MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Dr. Ong Kee Leong is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. He subspecializes in shoulder and knee, foot and ankle, hand wrist and elbow surgeries, arthroscopic sports surgery, and the management of sports-related injuries.

He has been registered with the Singapore Medical Council as a specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery since 2011.

MBBS, National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Medicine 2001
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2007
Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (NUS) 2007
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Orthopaedic Surgery 2011
Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Scholarship, Ministry of Health 2012-2013
Sports Surgery and Arthroscopy in Germany (Hannover)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Lee Kong Chian School Of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
Senior Clinical Lecturer, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS

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Billing & Payment

Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation,
and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).

Modes of Payment

We accept the following modes of payment:

Cash
PayNow & PayLah
All major Credit Cards

If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.

Can I Claim Through My Medisave Account? (For Singaporeans and PR)

Yes, you can. Our Clinic is an accredited day surgery clinic by the Ministry of Health. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may use their Medisave for eligible orthopaedic inpatient procedures and hospitalizations.

The exact amount would depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have any enquiries, feel free to speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your Medisave account.

Integrated Shield Plans (Singaporeans and PRs)

Yes, patients who have purchased Integrated Shield plans with riders for co-insurance and deductibles will be able to use them in our clinic for eligible procedures. For more information, contact us to find out if your procedure is claimable.

The 6 Approved Integrated Shield Insurers are: