Lumbar Discectomy
Lumbar discectomy surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques and is done to address a herniated disc in the lower section of your spine or lower back. The surgery can relieve the pain or discomfort that is caused when a spinal disc has protruded or herniated through the annulus, which results in inflammation or pressure being placed on the surrounding nerves in your spine.
A lumbar discectomy removes the protruded or herniated portion of the disc to relieve the compression on the nerve. The majority of the disc still remains intact to provide support for the spine. The minimally invasive technique utilizes a small incision and specialized tools to access the affected spinal disc. This results in less pain and less damage to the surrounding tissues resulting in reduced recovery time compared to the traditional open surgical technique.
How the surgery works
This surgery is conducted with you lying prone (face down) on the specialized operating table. You will be given a general anesthetic and will be unconscious for the duration of the surgery. After cleaning and sterilizing the surgical area, your surgeon will make a small incision about 1.5 centimetres over top of the spinal level where the herniated or degenerative disc is located. An X-ray is used to confirm that the proper location is being operated on. Soft tissue dilators are used to separate the muscle fibres. A tubular retractor is inserted over the dilators which are then removed. A small keyhole is removed from the lamina to expose the spinal canal. Once your surgeon has access to the affected disc, the protruded or herniated portion will be removed. Special instruments will also be inserted into the disc to remove any loose fragments that may cause a problem.
After the surgery, strong sutures will be used to close the wound. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and surgical tape (Steri-strips) will be placed. The incision will be covered with a small dressing.
Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy surgery generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to be completed.
Postoperative care
This minimally invasive procedure is performed as a day surgery and you will be discharged from the surgical centre a few hours after your surgery is finished. You will be provided with a set of postoperative instructions. Because there will have been less cutting or trauma to the muscles and tissues surrounding the affected spinal level than in traditional surgery, your level of pain in the surgical area following the procedure should be minimal. You will be restricted from bending or twisting your back for 1-2 weeks after the surgery, and are advised not to lift anything heavy. Any strenuous activity such as housework, yard work, or exercise is prohibited for two weeks as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because we perform lumbar discectomy surgeries using minimally invasive technique, your recovery time and pain will be reduced compared to a traditional open lumbar discectomy. Most patients who have this procedure done can return to work in a reduced capacity 1 to 2 weeks after their surgery. If your pain has sufficiently subsided and your back muscles have regained their strength, you can usually return to full work or recreational activities around 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure.
Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy surgery has been found to be extremely successful in relieving the pain and symptoms associated with disc herniation. One study found that good results were achieved in 80-90 per cent of patients who underwent the procedure.
This type of minimally invasive spinal surgery requires very little wound care. You will leave the surgical centre with a small dressing and this should be left on for three days. After three days, the wound can be uncovered and exposed to air. The surgical tape keeping the suture in place should not be touched and the area where the incision has been made should be kept dry and clean. When taking a shower, the wound should be covered by a bandage and care should be given to ensure you do not get water directly on it. Bathing is not recommended until roughly five days after the procedure.
Receive the care you need right away
Horizon Surgical can expedite your minimally invasive spine surgery to be done in a timely fashion. From beginning to end, you can typically receive your minimally invasive spine surgery within a couple months. With our reduced recovery times, you’ll be able to get back to living your life and doing what you love most right away.
