Microdiscectomy: Minimally Invasive Treatment For Slip Disc And Sciatica
A herniated disc can cause more than back pain. Microdiscectomy may help relieve symptoms such as sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness down the leg when medicines, physiotherapy, injections, and exercises do not provide enough relief.
Understanding the Procedure
A microdiscectomy removes the portion of a herniated disc that presses on a nerve root.
The surgeon uses a small incision and special instruments to reach and remove the bulging disc fragment.
Doctors also call this procedure microdecompression, keyhole spine surgery, or minimally invasive discectomy. In some cases, the surgeon uses an endoscope to perform the procedure.
When Should You Consider Surgery?
Surgical treatment isn’t necessary for all slipped discs. If your symptoms improve without surgery, your spine specialist may recommend continuing non-surgical treatment. However, if leg pain continues after several weeks of non-surgical treatment and tests show that a disc is pressing on a spinal nerve, your surgeon may recommend this surgery.
Dr. Pramod Saini, Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon in Noida, suggests that the treatment should be planned after analyzing the patient’s symptoms, physical examination, and MRI. Doctors recommend surgery only when the patient’s symptoms and test results support it.
Benefits Of Microdiscectomy
Because the surgeon makes only a small incision and limits disruption to nearby muscles and tissues, many patients recover sooner than after traditional open back surgery. Microdiscectomy may also cause less post-operative discomfort. As a result, many patients can leave the hospital sooner and gradually return to their daily activities.
If your sciatica does not improve with conservative treatments, talk to a spine surgeon about whether this procedure is suitable for you.
Recovery Following Microdiscectomy
Most patients can gradually resume normal activities after surgery. How soon you can do this will depend on your symptoms and overall health. Your spine surgeon may advise you to engage in mild activity such as walking as well as take certain precautions as you recover.