Book Appointment
+91 77740 40002
×
A microdiscectomy is generally considered as the gold standard for removing the herniated portion of a disc that is pressing on a nerve, as the procedure has a long history and many spine surgeons are well-versed in this technique..
Most of the patients with Lumbar disc herniation can be treated with non-operative microdiscectomy treatments like rest, pain medications, pain blocks and physiotherapy. Some patients require surgery to remove the herniated disc and free the compressed nerve roots. Microdiscectomy (Microscope assisted discectomy), is also called a microdecompression is usually more effective for relieving leg pain than back pain. Leg pain is also known as radiculopathy, or sciatica. In case of leg pain patient normally gets pain relief immediately after the procedure. While for the syptoms such as numbness, weakness, or other neurological symptoms in the leg and foot, it may take weeks or months for the nerve root to heal completely and to subside numbness or weakness.
Microdiscectomy treatment is recommended in situations such as leg pain has been experienced for at least six weeks, MRI scan or other test shows a herniated disc, leg pain (sciatica) is the patient’s main symptom, rather than simply lower back pain, nonsurgical microdiscectomy treatments such as oral steroids, NSAIDs, and physical therapy have not brought sufficient pain relief. The results of surgery could be less favorable after three to six months have passed since the onset of symptoms, so surgeons advise patients not to postpone surgery beyond 3 to 6 months.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. A microdiscectomy is performed to extract disc material that is putting pressure on nerves. The procedure is performed in the position with the patient lying face down. An incision of 1 to 1 1/2 inches would be made directly over the damaged disc. A lighted microscope is used by surgeon to see the affected area. A small piece of bone protecting the root nerve may be removed by the surgeon. With a scissor-like tool, surgeon removes the damaged herniated tissue, relieving the pressure on the nerve and the incision is closed with sutures. The spinal nerve gets the necessary space it needs inside the spinal column, hence any pain caused by pinching on the nerve stops. The patient is discharged from the hospital the same day or the next morning.
When needed, microdiscectomy is a very effective treatment for slip disc. Pain goes away quickly and the benefits are long lasting. However, there is a possibility that the disc can re herniate again in 2-5 % patients and the symptoms may recur. A good post operative care and rehab plan can minimize this risk.
Usually recovery after microdiscectomy is quick. Pain gets reduced almost immediately after the surgeery. Typically with Microdiscectomy minimally invasive spine surgery at Pune Spine Institute, Patients recover faster and have a short hospital stay. They start walking about 2-3 hours after the surgery. Usually patients can expect to go home after 1 day after surgery. By the time that they go home, they are able to walk independently, be up and about with minimal or no help at all. The activity levels increase as days pass by and typically people can join back to their office work by 2-3 weeks after surgery.
When needed, microdiscectomy is a very effective treatment for slip disc. Pain goes away quickly and the benefits are long lasting. However, there is a possibility that the disc can re herniate again in 2-5 % patients and the symptoms may recur. A good post operative care and rehab plan can minimize this risk. Other possible complicaitons of dural tear, CSF leak, Nerve injury, pos toperative infections, post operative pain, instability are all rare side effects and collectively put together can amout to 1-2% of all procedures.
By an large spine surgery is intented to improve the quality of life of our patients. The intention is to reduce pain, improve activity, decrease the use of medicines and overall improve the function of the individual. Hence spine surgery has a positive impact for patients undergoing surgery.
Usually recovery after L5-S1 microdiscectomy is quick. Pain gets reduced almost immediately after the surgeery. Typically with Microdiscectomy minimally invasive spine surgery at Pune Spine Institute, Patients recover faster and have a short hospital stay. They start walking about 2-3 hours after the surgery. Usually patients can expect to go home after 1 day after surgery. By the time that they go home, they are able to walk independently, be up and about with minimal or no help at all. The activity levels increase as days pass by and typically people can join back to their office work by 2-3 weeks after surgery.