Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Lumbar microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat cases of lumbar disc herniation, which is one of the most frequent causes of spinal surgery.
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What is Lumbar Discectomy or Microdiscectomy?
Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that serves to effectively treat lumbar disc herniations. During the procedure, a portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the spinal nerves is removed using special techniques to end the associated pain and discomfort.
When is Lumbar Microdiscectomy performed?
Lumbar microdiscectomy is performed in specific cases of herniated disc that show severe and persistent symptoms. Some situations in which lumbar microdiscectomy may be recommended are:
- Severe pain that radiates down the leg or arm, which does not improve with conservative treatments.
- Significant muscle weakness in the arm, leg, or adjacent muscles.
- Persistent numbness in the leg or arm.
- Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain and limited movement.
How to prepare for Lumbar Microdiscectomy?
Preparation prior to a lumbar discectomy or microdiscectomy includes the following steps:
Medical consultation
To discuss with the spine specialist the details of the surgery, the risks and benefits, and any questions or concerns you may have.
Preoperative exams
Preoperative tests (blood tests, X-rays or MRIs) will allow you to assess your health status and determine the precise location of the herniated disc.
Medication Management
You may need to adjust or stop some medications before surgery, especially those that may increase the risk of bleeding.
Fasting
Before surgery, you will need to refrain from eating or drinking for a specific period of time.
Post-operative planning
Make sure you have a plan for post-surgery care. It can be helpful to have someone accompany you and help you through the first few days of recovery at home.
Surgical technique of Lumbar Microdiscectomy
During lumbar microdiscectomy, a small incision is made in your back and a microscope or scope is used to visualize and access the herniated disc. Subsequently, the damaged tissue or the part of the disc that is compressing the nerves is removed, thus relieving symptoms.
This technique is considered less invasive compared to other surgical approaches, as it involves less manipulation of surrounding tissues. Lumbar microdiscectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Recovery from Lumbar Microdiscectomy
After a lumbar microdiscectomy, recovery can vary from person to person. Most of the time, patients do not require an extended hospital stay.
In the days following the procedure, it is normal to experience some pain and discomfort in your back; To do this, your doctor will prescribe medications to help control your symptoms until they gradually subside in the weeks after surgery.
As for resuming physical activity, your doctor will provide you with specific guidelines on when and how to resume your regular activities. In general, it is recommended to start with short, gentle walks and then progressively increase the intensity as you feel comfortable. Avoid heavy lifting and sudden movements during the first few weeks of recovery.
You may be encouraged to attend physical therapy sessions to help strengthen your back muscles, improve flexibility, and speed up recovery. It is important to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments to assess your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan, if necessary.
Risks of Lumbar Discectomy
Lumbar discectomy or microdiscectomy is considered safe. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and possible complications associated with it, the most common being: infection, bleeding, nerve damage, blood clot formation, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
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