Microdiskectomy – The Procedure, Its Benefit and Recovery

by Roshan Jamal Flying digitally

Overview

People are often afraid of neurosurgery as they fear that it means large incisions in sensitive areas of the brain or the spine, long recovery periods and painful rehabilitation. But all of this is a thing of the past. Advances in medicine have improved the process a lot, and microdiskectomy is proof.

Microdiskectomy is the minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a herniated lumbar disc in patients. The procedure is available in leading neuro hospitals in the country.

The Benefit of the Procedure

According to leading neurosurgeons in Patna (some of the best neurosurgeons in India), microdiskectomy is up to 95% effective in eliminating sciatica pain. Sciatica is caused by the compression of the spinal nerve due to a herniated lumbar disc.

The Procedure

As mentioned above, the motive of the microdiskectomy procedure is to remove the part of the herniated disc that is placing pressure on the nerves. The procedure is done under general anesthesia. The patient is unconscious during the entire procedure and will not feel a thing. The patient is laid prone (facing down) on the table during the procedure. Here is the step by step procedure:

·         A small incision will be made directly to the affected disc.

·         A lighted microscope is used to help your surgeon see the affected area.

·         The surgeon may remove a small portion of bone that protects the root nerve.

·         With a scissor-like tool, your surgeon will remove the damaged herniated tissue, relieving the pressure on the nerve.

·         The incision is closed with sutures.

·         The patient is usually discharged the same day or the next morning.

·         The spinal nerve now has the space it needs inside the spinal column, so any pain caused by pinching the nerve should stop.

Recovery

The best thing about a minimally invasive procedure is the minimal recovery time needed after it. After a microdiskectomy, a person can expect to leave the hospital after just 24 hours. But before that, the patient will most likely have a session with a physical therapist and occupational therapist who will give instructions on how to reduce the bending, lifting, and twisting movements a person does with their back. The physiotherapist will likely tell the patient what exercises they can do to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles around their spine. The patient’s spine will have to be gradually eased into normal physical activity. Exercise and sports will have to be discontinued for at least 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure. Full recovery time is about 6 weeks. 

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Created on Mar 23rd 2018 04:10. Viewed 364 times.

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