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A microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve the symptoms of a herniated spinal disc, also known as a herniated or slipped disc. The main goal of a microdiscectomy is to remove the herniated portion of the disc that is compressing the nerves. By doing so, the pressure on the affected nerves is reduced, alleviating the associated symptoms. Unlike traditional open surgery, a microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires smaller incisions and causes less disruption to surrounding tissues.
Compared to traditional open-back surgery, microdiscectomy requires smaller incisions, resulting in less tissue disruption, reduced scarring, and potentially faster recovery times. Most patients experience relief from symptoms within a few weeks and can gradually resume their regular activities under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve symptoms associated with a herniated or slipped disc in the spine. Also known as microdecompression or microdecompression discectomy, it is a minimally invasive technique that aims to alleviate pain, numbness, and weakness caused by the compression of spinal nerves.
During a microdiscectomy, a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon uses specialized surgical instruments and a high-powered microscope to access the affected area of the spine. The procedure involves making a small incision, typically less than one inch, through which the surgeon creates a narrow pathway to remove the damaged herniated disc.
Microdiscectomy is primarily used to treat specific conditions related to herniated or slipped discs in the spine. These conditions cause compression of spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the back and legs. 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 the herniated disc. However, in some cases, surgery may be recommended right away if the patient is experiencing symptoms of spinal cord compression.
A microdiscectomy involves the removal of a small portion of the damaged or bulging disc material that is pressing on the spinal nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Here’s what happens during a microdiscectomy in more detail:
After the surgery, patients can often return home on the same day or with an overnight hospital stay. In the first few days, they may experience some discomfort around the incision site, but pain medication helps manage it. During the first week, strenuous activities should be avoided to promote proper healing. By the end of the first month, most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and can resume light activities. Over six weeks, more activities can be introduced, and after three months, many patients return to most regular activities.
While microdiscectomy is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, like any surgical intervention, it carries some inherent risks. Some potential risks and complications of microdiscectomy may include:
Microdiscectomy has a generally high success rate, with one large long-term study showing 84% of individuals who undergo the procedure report good or excellent outcomes (Dorhmann 2015).
Microdiscectomy is a highly effective and minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat herniated or slipped discs in the spine. Compared to traditional open discectomy, microdiscectomy offers faster recovery times, reduced tissue disruption, and minimal scarring. Microdiscectomy has proven to be an excellent option for patients seeking relief from disc-related symptoms. However, the decision to undergo microdiscectomy should be made after careful evaluation and consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
