Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy Surgery

Overview

Definition
Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure to treat herniated or damaged discs in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. It involves smaller incisions and causes less pain compared to traditional open surgery, allowing for quicker recovery.

Indications
The procedure is recommended for individuals experiencing:

Persistent lower back pain
Radiating leg pain
Tingling or numbness in the legs
Symptoms of sciatica

Alternate Name

Microendoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Body Location

Lumbar (lower back) region of the spine

Procedure Type

Minimally invasive

Preparation

Preparation for minimally invasive lumbar discectomy includes the following steps:

Medical Tests: Blood tests, pre-anesthesia check-up (PAC), chest X-ray, ECG, and imaging tests such as MRI or spinal X-rays to assess the condition.
Diet: Consume light meals the day before surgery and fast for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
Medication: Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners, which may need to be discontinued. You may also be prescribed medication to manage pre-surgery anxiety.
Arrival Time: Arrive 2-4 hours before the surgery for pre-operative observation.

Procedure

The surgery is performed under anesthesia or sedatives to ensure comfort and block sensation.

Steps:

Incisions: Small incisions are made in the lower back.
Tubular Dilators: These are inserted through the incisions to tunnel through the muscles to the target area.
Endoscope: An endoscope is used to create real-time images of the damaged area.
Disc Removal: Specialized instruments are passed through the dilators to remove the herniated or damaged disc.
Stabilization (Optional): In some cases, spinal fusion may be performed to stabilize the affected area.

Recovery

Post-surgery recovery typically begins on the same day.

Immediate Care:

Patients are monitored in a recovery room until anesthesia wears off.
Walking and stair climbing may be encouraged before discharge.

At Home:

Rest for a few days and avoid heavy physical activity for several weeks.
Keep the incision site clean to prevent infections.
Take prescribed medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
Monitor for any unusual symptoms, such as unexplained pain or excessive vomiting, and seek medical attention if they occur.

Follow-Up

Adhere to scheduled follow-ups with your surgeon to monitor healing and recovery progress.
Avoid bending, heavy lifting, or strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
Gradually return to daily activities while avoiding intense physical exertion for several weeks.

Risks

While minimally invasive lumbar discectomy is safer than open surgery, some risks include:

Bleeding at the incision site
Infection requiring antibiotics
Blood clot formation
Allergic reaction to anesthesia
Recurrence or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage
Nerve-related issues

Benefits

Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy provides significant advantages, such as reduced pain, quicker recovery, and minimal scarring, making it an effective treatment for herniated or damaged discs in the lumbar spine.

Neuromodulation

Orthopaedics

Neurosurgery

Spine Care

Neurology