Discectomy is a surgical procedure where a part of the spinal disc which is impinging on the nerves exiting the spinal cord and causing pain is removed. Discectomy as the term can be split as ‘Disc’ which means the spinal disc and ‘ectomy’ which means surgical removal, literally meaning removal of the damaged part of the spinal disc. Discectomy is majorly an indication for a herniated disc or a bulging disc which is root cause of chronic pain associated with neck, lower back and legs. To gain a better understanding of the procedure it is essential to understand the anatomy of a spinal disc.
The spine of our body acts as a support system for the back and is essential for doing routine activities like sitting, standing, lying down, bending, twisting and turning. A normal spine performs these and other functions without causing any pain and soreness. The spine is made of 33 vertebral bones which are stacked over one another with and intervertebral disc between them and are divided according to their location as the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae. The intervertebral disc or the spinal disc acts as a shock absorber and a protective covering around the spinal cord. The spinal disc is made up of two compartments, annulus fibrosus or the outer compartment which protects or outlines the inner compartment known as the nucleus pulposus. These compartments protect, outline and cover the spinal cord, but in case of a herniated disc, the nucleus pulposus part bulges out of the annulus fibrosus which in turns impinges on the spinal nerves leading to pain, tingling sensation, numbness in the neck, back and leg region.
Who is a candidate for a discectomy surgery ?
Individuals who are experiencing back and leg pain which is not relieved upon medication and physical therapy should consider consultation with a spine specialist/orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation to confirm a herniated disc. The symptoms might include chronic pain, numbness, tingling sensation and weakness in the back and leg region. The specialist would conduct a thorough clinical examination supported by adjuncts as X-ray imaging, CT scan, MRI scan to confirm the case of a herniated disc. The decision of getting a Discectomy is a combined one made by the patient in appropriate consultation with a specialist after knowing the risks and benefits of the procedure.
How is discectomy surgery performed ?
Discectomy as mentioned above literally means “cutting out the disc”. The standard technique is also known as Open Discectomy which is performed under general anesthesia. The patient is made to lie down on his/her stomach. The surgeon makes an incision along the skin line about 1-2 inches long and then the underlying muscles are retracted to expose the disc. The lamina of the vertebra (a bony covering) is removed to access the spinal disc followed by which the damaged parts of the disc are removed and the incision is closed. Cervical and Lumbar Discectomy are commonly performed for herniated discs associated with back and leg region. The Discectomy procedure usually last for 1-2 hours and may extend depending on the extent of the damage to the disc.
What is the post-Surgical care for discectomy surgery ?
The operating surgeon explains in details the risks, benefits and outcome of a Discectomy. After a Discectomy procedure care must be taken to prevent post-surgical complications. The length of the stay in the hospital is dependent on the type and extent of the procedure but can last from 4-5 days to a week. Movement of the spine to get up suddenly, bend, walk, sit and lie down is either restricted or guided with the help of walking aids and a physical therapist till the healing is evident on radiographs. The operating surgeon with the help of a physical therapist suggests exercises to initiate movement of the spine and regain its strength.
What is the outcome of discectomy surgery ?
Discectomy as mentioned in the beginning is mainly carried out when non surgical methods of treatment of a herniated disc leading to chronic back and leg pain are ineffective. The success of a Discectomy procedure to relieve chronic pain associated with back and leg is well researched. With the advent of a minimally invasive technique in cases of minor herniated discs, success rates of Discectomy procedures have been on the rise. Appropriate consultation to understand the best suited procedures helps an individual in making the correct choice between a non surgical and surgical procedure.
How to find spine surgeons for discectomy surgery ?
Now you can find spine surgeons for discectomy surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from spine surgeons, cost estimates for discectomy surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a spine surgeon for discectomy surgery.
Find and choose a spine surgeon for discectomy surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
