PROCEDURES
Lumbar Microdiscectomy
A lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery in which a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root are removed to relieve neural impingement and provide more room for the nerve to heal.
A microdiscectomy is typically performed for a herniated lumbar disc. It is actually more effective for treating leg pain (also known as radiculopathy) or bladder or bowel incontinence than for treating lower back pain.
While it may take weeks or months for the nerve root to fully heal and any numbness or weakness to get better, patients normally feel relief from leg pain almost immediately after a microdiscectomy spine surgery.
Importantly, since almost all of the joints, ligaments, and muscles are left intact, a microdiscectomy does not change the mechanical structure of the patient’s lower spine.
- Lumbar refers to the position on the spine, which is the lower back
- Microdiscectomy means to perform a discectomy via a small incision while aided by an operating microscope
- Discectomy means to remove the disc
- A discectomy is a form of surgical decompression, so the procedure may also be called an anterior cervical decompression.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy Recovery
Depending on the underlying ailment that was treated and your overall health, the recovery period might be anywhere between 1 and 4 weeks. After surgery, the initial discomfort might not be totally gone. Maintain a positive outlook and, if instructed, actively carry out your physical therapy activities.
With professions that are not physically demanding, the majority of people may return to work in 2–4 weeks or less. Others might need to wait at least 8 to 12 weeks before going back to work if their positions require them to carry or operate large objects.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy Risks
There are some possible hazards, as there are with any medical operation. The likelihood of problems depends on the specific surgery you’re undergoing as well as other elements, such as your general health.
Inquire with your surgeon about the outcomes and dangers of your treatment. Inquire about the percentage of problems that occur after their operations as well as their own patient satisfaction and complication rates.