A microdiscectomy procedure is a form of surgical treatment that is used to alleviate painful symptoms stemming from a herniated lumbar disc, including sciatica, leg, and back pain. This procedure, which is minimally invasive, involves the removal of herniated portions of the disc material from the damaged vertebrae. Although microdiscectomy surgery is considered low-risk, there are serious risks that must be weighed before undergoing any type of surgery.
Microdiscectomy surgical intervention is a type of spinal surgery. It is performed on those with a herniated disc in their lower back area, or lumbar region. The goal of this procedure is to reduce the symptoms caused by lumbar disc herniation, such as sciatica, back pain, and leg pain. During the procedure, the surgeon will enter through a small incision in the patient’s back and remove the herniated portion of the disc material that is damaging the surrounding vertebrae.
What Are the Advantages of Microdiscectomy Surgery?
The details of a microdiscectomy surgery vary depending on the patient and the herniated disc, but in general, the procedure has many advantages.
Minimally Invasive
The key benefit of this procedure is that it is minimally invasive. Most of the time, microdiscectomy surgery is done as an outpatient procedure. This means that the patient can go home the same day and can avoid an overnight hospital stay.
Restoration of Mobility
Due to the precise nature of the procedure, a person is also likely to experience an improved range of motion after the surgery. Since the damaged part of the disc that is causing the pain is carefully removed, the surgery can help to relieve the pain, allowing the patient to move without discomfort.
Decreased Back, Leg and Sciatica Pain
The main reason for a microdiscectomy procedure is to strategically remove the affected disc portion, in order to reduce pain. After the surgery, the patient’s herniated disc is no longer impinging on the surrounding nerves, thus reducing the sciatica, back pain, and/or leg pain.
Risks of Microdiscectomy Surgery
In general, the risk of microdiscectomy surgery is relatively low. However, there are potential risks that need to be considered before undergoing the surgery, including:
Infection
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection developing. To decrease this risk, the recovery area must be kept clean and the patient should follow any post-op instructions given by their doctor.
Spinal Fluid Leak
When a microdiscectomy is done, there is a risk that the covering on the spinal cord can be punctured, which can lead to a loss of spinal fluid. If this happens, the patient may experience difficulty in speaking or controlling their limbs, depending on the location of the puncture.
Incomplete Resolution of Symptoms
In some cases, the herniated disc can return after the procedure, leading to a recurrence of the painful symptoms. Additionally, the surgery may not relieve the pain altogether in some cases.
People Also Ask
What Is the Success Rate of Microdiscectomy Surgery?
Research studies have suggested that the success rate of a microdiscectomy surgery is around 80-90%. However, it is important to note that this will vary depending on the severity of the herniation.
What Is the Recovery Time for Microdiscectomy Surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the patients and their overall health condition, but on average, most patients are able to resume normal activities within four to six weeks.
Can Microdiscectomy Surgery Be Done Without Anesthesia?
No, microdiscectomy surgery requires general anesthesia or sedation. This is necessary to ensure that the patient does not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Is Microdiscectomy Surgery Safe?
Yes, microdiscectomy surgery is considered a safe as well as effective treatment for herniated discs. That said, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with the surgery that must be taken into consideration and discussed with a doctor.
Final Words
A microdiscectomy procedure is an effective treatment for herniated discs. The benefits include a minimally invasive approach, improved mobility, and reduced pain symptoms, such as sciatica, leg and back pain. While there are risks associated with the procedure, it is generally considered a safe and low-risk form of surgery. Ultimately, anyone considering microdiscectomy surgery should discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with their doctor to determine if it is the right choice for them.