Xlif

[pcrane1126]

Has anyone had an xlif to repair an L345 fusion with screws and bars that didn't completly work please let me know?

I am being told by one doctor that I am a canidate for his procedure of an xlif. I had L3,4,5 done in 2009. L45 the fusion is nom exsistent and need to be redone 3.4 is fused but the xlif surgeon said it is only 5% fused and if he goes forward he would re do L3,4,5. The problem I have is I have 6 screws 2 cages 2 bars in place from the previous sergury. How does he get in from the side with out removing the stuff and still have enough room to get the old cages out and new ones in?? He believes it is no problem becuase of the height of my hips he can do it.

I was seen by my original surgeon and when I asked him about an xlif he with out hesitation said he didn't bring it up becuase he didn't feel I was a canidate becuase it was a do over not his words mine.

I got the 2 of them to talk and from what I understand they had the same opinion when speaking to each other and it apparently got heated. So I am left to figure out what is best .

I had also been seen by a spinal surgeon from NY Prespeterian hospital who didn't mention the posibility of the xlif procedure either. He did mention going from the front or even possibly going throughthe back to clean things up and if it could be done go ahead and if not then do the front approach but never mentioned the side approach or xlif.

I am skeptical. It sounds great same day surgery no hospital stay a lot less pain and recovery time.

Normal recovery 6 months 2,3days in hospital ???

What to do??