Description

Familiarity with Treatment:

Discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or the entirety of a damaged intervertebral disc in the spine. This surgery is commonly performed to relieve the pressure on a spinal nerve caused by a herniated or bulging disc.

Procedure: During a discectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the back, removes the damaged disc material, and may also perform a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine if necessary.

Who Is It Suitable For?

• Individuals experiencing severe and persistent leg pain, tingling, or weakness due to a herniated disc pressing on a spinal nerve.
• Those who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or epidural steroid injections.

Who Is It Not Suitable For?

• Patients with minor or manageable symptoms that do not significantly impact daily life.
• Individuals with spinal conditions that are better treated through alternative methods or who are not good candidates for surgery due to underlying health concerns.

Advantages:

• Alleviation of leg pain and other symptoms caused by nerve compression.
• Potential restoration of normal nerve function.
• Improved mobility and quality of life for individuals who have been debilitated by severe symptoms.

Complications:

• As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• There is also a small risk of recurrent disc herniation or spinal instability, particularly if spinal fusion is not performed alongside the discectomy.

Preoperative Care:

• Patients will undergo a thorough evaluation of their medical history and physical condition to assess their suitability for surgery.
• They may be advised to discontinue certain medications or supplements that could increase the risk of bleeding.

Postoperative Care:

• After surgery, patients will need to limit activities that put stress on the back while the surgical site heals.
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be recommended to aid in recovery and restore strength and flexibility.
• Patients will be advised on proper lifting techniques and instructed on how to gradually resume normal activities.