Micro surgery for disc
What is microdiscectomy?
Spinal surgery once meant large incisions, long recovery periods, and painful rehab. Fortunately, surgical advances like the microdiscectomy procedure have improved the process.
Microdiscectomy, also sometimes called microdecompression or microdiskectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on patients with a herniated lumbar disc.
During this surgery, a surgeon will remove portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column.
Who benefits from microdiscectomy?
According to a 2015 study, about 84 percentTrusted Source of those who went through a microdiscectomy procedure had long-term success in the treatment of the herniated disc.
Sciatica is a pain condition caused by compression of the spinal nerve. This compression is most often the result of a herniated lumbar disc.
As the hernia develops and the damaged tissue extends into the spinal column, it pushes on the nerves. This causes the nerves to send pain signals to the brain. The pain is interpreted to be coming from the legs.
Most cases of sciatica will heal naturally without surgery in a few weeks. If the pain from sciatica lasts more than 12 weeks, you may benefit from a microdiscectomy.
A microdiscectomy is not effective in relieving back pain.
How is the surgery performed?
The goal of a microdiscectomy is to remove the disc material placing pressure on the nerves.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia. You will be unconscious during the entire procedure and unable to feel anything. The procedure is performed with the patient lying face down. The process goes as follows:
- A 1- to 1 1/2-inch incision will be made directly over the affected disc.
- A lighted microscope is used to help your surgeon see the affected area.
- The surgeon may remove a small portion of bone that protects the root nerve.
- With a scissor-like tool, your surgeon will remove the damaged herniated tissue, relieving the pressure on the nerve.
- The incision is closed with sutures.
- The patient is usually discharged the same day or the next morning.
The spinal nerve now has the space it needs inside the spinal column, so any pain caused by pinching on the nerve should stop.
Recovery time
The recovery time is shorter than other, more invasive procedures. Most people can expect to leave the hospital that same day, or within 24 hours.You’ll likely meet with a physical therapist and occupational therapist before leaving the hospital. These therapists will give you instructions on how to reduce the bending, lifting, and twisting you do with your back.
What are the risks?
Microdiscectomy is a safe procedure, and complications are rare. However, like any surgery, there are some risks. These include:
- dural tear (cerebrospinal fluid leak) in 1 to 7 percent of surgeries
- nerve root damage
- recurrent disc herniation
- bowel/bladder incontinence (very rare)
- bleeding
- infection