- About Us
- Procedures
- Conditions Treated
- Patient Resources
- Blog
- Contact Us
A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which a portion of a damaged or herniated intervertebral disc is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It is typically performed to alleviate pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a compressed nerve. Recovery time and post-operative care will depend on the type of surgery and individual case.
A discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion or all of a damaged or herniated intervertebral disc in the spine.
The intervertebral disc is a cushion-like structure that sits between the bones in the spine (vertebrae) and acts as a shock absorber. When a disc becomes damaged or herniated, it can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or arms.
During a discectomy, a small incision is made in the lower back and the surgeon uses special instruments to remove the damaged portion of the disc. This can be done through traditional open surgery, which involves a larger incision, or through a minimally invasive procedure called a microdiscectomy, which uses a small incision and a microscope to guide the surgery.
A discectomy is typically performed when symptoms are due to a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc. Examples include:
A discectomy is typically performed when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or epidural injections have not been effective in relieving the symptoms caused by a herniated disc or other conditions that affect the spine.
It is usually considered as a last resort when other options have been exhausted.
However, in some cases, surgery may be recommended right away if the patient is experiencing symptoms of spinal cord compression.
A discectomy can be performed as a traditional open surgery or as a minimally invasive microdiscectomy. The two procedures differ in terms of the type of incision made, the instruments used, and the recovery time.
It’s important to note that both types of discectomy have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on the individual case and the surgeon’s expertise.
An open discectomy involves a larger incision in the lower back, which allows the surgeon to directly access the damaged disc. The surgeon will use special instruments, such as a scalpel or a laser, to remove the damaged portion of the disc.
This procedure is typically used for larger herniated discs or for patients with multiple herniated discs.
A minimally invasive microdiscectomy involves a smaller incision in the lower back, typically about 1-2 cm. The surgeon uses a microscope to guide the surgery and special instruments, such as a small retractor, to remove the damaged portion of the disc.
This procedure is typically used for smaller herniated discs or for patients who have had previous spinal surgery.
A microdiscectomy is considered to be a less invasive procedure, it may have a shorter recovery time, less pain and scarring, and less risk of complications than an open discectomy.
Sometimes, a discectomy can be performed an outpatient surgical center and a hospitalization is not necessary. Regardless of the setting, the day of surgery is generally the same.
The recovery time for a discectomy can vary depending on the type of surgery (open or minimally invasive) and the individual case. However, there are some general guidelines for recovery time:
In both cases, the patient will be advised to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for several weeks to allow the incision to heal properly and reduce the risk of complications.
As with any surgical procedure, a discectomy carries certain risks that should be considered. Some of these include:
In general, the success rate of discectomy is estimated to be between 80-90%. However, the success of the procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the size and location of the herniated disc, the degree of nerve compression, and the overall health of the patient.
Discectomy is typically recommended for individuals who have a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord, causing symptoms such as leg pain and weakness, or who have not responded to more conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, medications, and/or spinal injections.
Your healthcare provider will also consider other factors, such as your overall health and any other medical conditions you may have, when determining if discectomy is appropriate for you.
It’s important to discuss the benefits and risks of discectomy with your doctor and to consider all your options before deciding on any treatment.
