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Discectomy
Traditional / “Open” Procedure* General anesthesia administered.* Surgical incision made in the skin. * Muscles are dissected away from the incision site. * Ligament and bone removed to access the injured disc. * Part of affected disc is removed . * Incision closed and patient stays in hospital 1-2 days. MicroEndoscopic Discectomy* Minimally invasive. Shorter recovery time and less pain.* Local / spinal / general anesthetic used. * Surgical incision in the skin. * Muscles are not cut, but stretched. * Endoscope and fluoroscope used to image and view the area. * Part of affected disc removed. * Incision closed and patient can leave hospital the same day. Recovery from Disc Removal SurgeryRecovering from back surgery can be a difficult path and disc removal procedures are no exception to the rule. Standing and walking are encouraged as soon as possible, but activity level must be kept low for a few weeks. Hard physical labor is discouraged for 2 to 3 months. Physical therapy is usually prescribed to help the patient to regain mobility and range of motion, as part of a postoperative rehabilitation program.Complications from DiscectomyThis procedure is usually performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. This fact alone raises health concerns for those in questionable health. There is a risk of internal bleeding or leakage of spinal fluid after the operation. There is also the possibility of nerve damage or infection. After a disc removal operation, the patient has a greater chance of re-injuring the same disc. More than 15% of patients do not get any relief from surgery and up to half still have some symptoms post-surgery.Recommendation for DiscectomyI would never recommend spinal surgery if it can be avoided. My advice is to completely exhaust all conservative and moderate back pain treatment options before even considering back surgery. If you feel that your doctor is pushing you to undergo surgery prematurely, make sure to get a second opinion…
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