Overview

Discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the damaged part of the spine that can press the nerves around. It also helps to treat conditions such as herniated discs. The procedure helps lower the pain travelling down the arms and legs due to the damaged spine. The medical situation is observed due to the cushiony portion pushing the bone outwards through a crack. It can happen due to an injury or other underlying medical conditions. The surgery is not recommended for people suffering from neck or back pain. It is usually performed for people with extreme pain in their hands and legs due to a compressed nerve.

The procedure is helpful and recommended by doctors when medicines and other treatments cannot lower the pain in the arms and legs. The surgery can be done in multiple ways. Today surgeons prefer to opt for minimally invasive surgery, including inserting a camera near the injured area and removing painful or damaged parts with the help of small incisions and instruments. In addition, the surgery is helpful for people with herniated discs causing pain and uneasiness while performing different activities. Discectomy recovery time is around 4 to 8 weeks. The operated individual can resume normal routine activities after this period.

Who Should Go For Discectomy Surgery

Mentioned below are the conditions when a person is recommended to go for a discectomy surgery.

- Herniated Disc- It is one of the biggest and most-observed reasons for surgery. It happens due to pushing out of the cushiony material outside the annulus into the spine. It can cause extreme pain in the lower back, leading to pain in the hands and legs. The surgery helps to reduce the pain by removal of the damaged part. The invasive surgery is done with the help of smaller incisions made at the lower back. The tissues make space for the camera and instruments inserted through the incision. The camera helps provide a better view of the damaged and painful part of the vertebrae.
- Leg Numbness- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the foot may be caused due to a pressurised nerve. Discectomy surgery helps to get rid of this pressure. After surgery, the person can walk and jog comfortably. In addition, invasive surgery helps lower the pinching effect of the nerves causing leg pain.
- Sciatica- Sciatica, also known as back pain in layman's language, is a medical condition due to the overgrowth of bones in the back, pressurising the Sciatica nerve. It can be identified by excruciating pain in the back, making it difficult for the affected individual to walk or stand properly. The surgery helps eliminate the overgrown part of the bone, allowing the nerve to function as normal. Hence, the individual can walk comfortably after the surgery and eliminate the pain.

The Procedure of Discectomy Surgery

Discectomy surgery typically begins with the patient being placed under general anaesthesia. For an invasive procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the back, over the affected disc. They then carefully move muscles and tissues aside to access the spine. Using specialised instruments, the surgeon removes the damaged or protruding portion of the disc. In some cases, the entire disc may be removed. For minimally invasive surgery, the entire procedure is initiated by inserting a small tube through the back. He then uses specialised tools(including laser) to remove the disc. The surgeon may also perform additional procedures, such as spinal fusion, if necessary. After completing the disc removal, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples and may apply a sterile dressing. The patient is closely monitored during the recovery period and may be prescribed pain medications and physical therapy to aid in healing and rehabilitation

Risks of a Discectomy Surgery

Discectomy surgery is a safe form of surgery, but it can also have possible complications that can disturb a patient. Mentioned below are some of the complications that can cause uneasiness to a patient:

- Injury to blood vessels around the operated area
- Infection
- Nerve Damage
- Bleeding
- Blood Clots
- Recurrence
- Spinal Fluid Leakage
- Anaesthetic Complications

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

A discectomy is a surgery of the back to help a patient get relief from a herniated disc or other causes of back pain. The surgery also helps to lower excruciating pain in the hands and legs, further leading to numbness and tingling sensation.

FAQs

Q. What is Discectomy? A. Discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the part of the bone in the vertebrae causing pain in the back. The pain can proceed to the hands and legs if not treated correctly.

Q. What are the risks of discectomy? A. Though the surgery is considered safe, possible complications such as bleeding, infection, and spinal fluid leakage may make the patient uncomfortable.

Q. Who can get a discectomy surgery done? A. Discectomy surgery is advisable for people experiencing back pain, tingling sensation in the feet, or a herniated disc.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/walking-same-day-after-spine-surgery/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/diskectomy/about/pac-20393837
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/minimally-invasive-lumbar-discectomy