What is microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive neurosurgical operation. Doctors perform it for a herniated intervertebral disc. During the procedure, the surgeon works under a microscope. Therefore, he can remove the damaged part of the disc precisely and gently. As a result, he frees the trapped nerve and restores the spine.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is prescribed for severe pain. The pain appears when a herniated disc presses on a spinal nerve. First, the doctor tries conservative treatment. For example, physiotherapy and medication. However, if there is no effect after six weeks, surgery is considered. Numbness in the legs is a warning sign. Therefore, in this case you should act quickly.
How is microdiscectomy performed?
The surgeon makes a small incision — from 0.5 to 3 cm. Then he closes it with a cosmetic suture. The operation lasts from 40 minutes to one hour. During it, the doctor uses a microscope, an endoscope, neuromonitoring and a C-arm. As a result, he keeps precise control. Also, the anaesthesia is individual: general, spinal or intubation.
The doctor chooses the method for each case. For example, transcutaneous vaporisation, endoscopic discectomy or microdiscectomy. Therefore, the choice depends on the patient and the type of hernia.
Recovery after surgery
The patient gets up on the first day. Then discharge is possible the next day. Recovery lasts from two weeks to a month. However, the time depends on the surgery and the patient. After six months, the doctor orders a follow-up MRI. As a result, he checks the outcome and disc recovery.
Preventing recurrence
Sometimes doctors add an intervertebral cage and pedicle screw fixation. This helps prevent recurrence. However, the doctor decides individually. In addition, it does not significantly change the recovery time.
Learn more about the doctor and other neurosurgery services in Zaporizhzhia. Also, you can book a consultation by phone: +380 (67) 901-37-01.