Lumbar discectomy is a surgery performed to fix a disc in the lower back. This is the most commonly performed spinal surgery. During this surgery, a surgeon will remove portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column.
Where is the spinal cord?
The spinal cord runs through the spinal column, which is made up of a chain of bones called the vertebrae. The bones help protect the cord from injury. Your discs sit between each vertebra to provide support. The nerve roots (large nerves) lead from the spinal cord through the small holes in the bones. Which sends and receives signals to and from the body. These signals are sent to and from your brain through the spinal cord. Due to age or injury, the outer wall of one of these discs may dry out, causing the soft, inner part of the disc to bulge out. If this happens it can press on the spinal cord and cause symptoms such as pain, tingling, or weakness in a nearby part of the body.
Why might I need a Lumbar Discectomy?
If you have a herniated disc in your lower back, causing symptoms such as weakness, pain, or tingling in the back area and one of your legs, you may need a lumbar discectomy. But you should keep in mind, that not everyone with a herniated disc needs this surgery, and the lumbar discectomy can’t be used to treat all cases of back pain. In case physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines, have not worked and you still have severe symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgery.
What are the risks of a lumbar discectomy?
Every surgery has risks. Risks for this surgery include:
Infection
Excess bleeding
Blood clots
Injury to nearby nerves
Reaction to anesthetic agents
Only short-term (temporary) relief and need for another surgery
Your risks may vary depending on your age and your general health.
Who performs the procedure?
A neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon can perform spine surgery. Many spine surgeons have specialized training in complex spine surgery.
What to expect?
During discectomy
Lumbar discectomy is usually performed using general anesthesia. Your surgeon may remove small amounts of spinal bone to gain access to the herniated disk. Your surgeon will try to remove just the fragment of the disc which is pinching the nerve to relieve the pressure but leave most of the disk intact. If the entire disk must be taken out, your surgeon may need to fill the space with a piece of bone - taken from a deceased donor or your pelvis -or a synthetic bone substitute. The adjoining vertebrae are then fused with metal hardware.
After discectomy
After surgery, you may be healthy enough to go home the same day you have surgery, although a short hospital stay may be necessary especially if you have any serious pre-existing medical conditions. Depending on the amount of lifting, walking, and sitting your job involves, you may be able to return to work in two to six weeks. If you have a job that includes heavy lifting or operating heavy machinery, your doctor may advise you to wait six to eight weeks before returning to work.
Conclusion
Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing a herniated disk in the lower back. Unlike traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques are employed, resulting in smaller incisions and less disruption to bone and muscle. During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon removes part of the damaged disk, alleviating pressure on the affected nerve root or spinal cord. Common symptoms that prompt lumbar discectomy include lasting weakness, pain, or tingling in the back area and legs. However, not all cases of back pain can be treated with this method, and alternative treatments should be explored first. Risks associated with the surgery include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and the possibility of short-term relief necessitating further intervention. Overall, while minimally invasive surgery offers faster recovery and reduced pain, individual considerations play a crucial role in determining its suitability for each patient.