A microdiscectomy (sometimes referred to as decompression surgery) is a minimally invasive spine surgery that is commonly performed in Florida. This advanced procedure can help reduce pressure on the nerves in the spine and relieve back pain.
What’s the Difference Between a Discectomy & a Microdiscectomy?
During a discectomy, portions of spinal bone or disks are removed in order to reduce the pressure on the spinal nerves. The goal of a discectomy and a microdiscectom are to alleviate back pain by relieving pressure on the spinal nerves. Typically, this is performed as anopen spine surgery, because of the large incisions required to view the spine andcomplete the operation.
Unlike a traditional discectomy, a microdiscectomy does not require a large incision. Our surgeons are able to perform this minimally invasive spinal surgery with special tools that only require a small incision. Micro discectomies are considered minimally invasive, which means there is less risk of damage to the patient’s surrounding muscle and tissue. This mircro spine surgery is also less painful and requires far less recovery time.
Who Benefits from Microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy has proven to be up to 95% effective in relieving sciatica pain caused by disc herniation. A herniated lumbar disc is the most common cause of sciatic pain due to the compression of the spinal nerves. As the hernia progresses, injured tissue pushes into the spine and begins applying pressureto the nerves. This triggers the spinal nerves to send pain signals to the brain and it may feel like this pain is coming from the legs.
Sciatica pain will typically improve on it’s own within a few weeks. However, you may want to consider scheduling a surgical consultation if your pain has persisted for more than 12 weeks.
What Can a Microdiscectomy Treat?
When determining if a patient would be a candidate for this micro spine surgery, our neurosurgeons look for these characteristics:
- Significant pain, numbness, and/or weakness in the leg
- Significant pain in the back or buttocks
- Pain is inhibiting the patient’s ability to perform regular activities
- Bowel or bladder incontinence
- Trouble standing or walking
- No sign of relief after at least 4 weeks of trying nonsurgical procedures
How Are Microdiscectomies Performed in Florida?
When performing a microdiscectomy, our neurosurgeons make a small 1-1.5 inch incision in the center of the back. The back muscles are then lifted off the spine while the surgeon locates and removes the membrane covering the nerve roots. It’s common for a small amount of the facet joint to be removed as well in order to provide access to the nerve root and alleviate pressure or pinching on the nerve.
After moving the nerve root aside, the surgeon uses specialized instruments to go underneath the nerve root to remove the unwanted disc fragments that are contributing to the pressure on the spinal nerves. Once the disc material has been removed, the muscles are moved back into place, and the incision is closed.
What’s Recovery Like After This Type of Spine Surgery?
Following surgery, patients may be ready to go home in as little as a few hours. However, some may need to spend a night in the hospital for observation. Many patients experience significant pain relief after a microdiscectomy and the recovery time is much faster than other types of spine surgery like discectomy. Most patients will need some sort of pain relief medication following their surgery.
Patients are often encouraged to walk within a few hours after their procedure. Before being released, the patient will receive recommendations for physical therapy, appropriate stretching exercises, and/or light back strengthening exercises. Most patients should expect their recovery to take about 6 weeks, with a slow progression back to normal physical activity.
What Are the Risks?
Microdiscectomy is a commonly performed minimally invasive procedure. It is a safe procedure and complications are rare. However, that isn’t to say that they don’t ever happen. Patients should be aware of the following risks:
- Dural tear otherwise known as a cerebrospinal fluid leak (1-7% of cases)
- This does not change the result of the surgery and may just require the patient to be placed on bed rest for 1-2 days to allow the leak to seal
- Nerve root damage
- Recurrent disc herniation (5% of cases)
- Bowel/bladder incontinence (very rare)
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Possible buildup of fluid in the lungs that may lead to pneumonia
- Deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when blood clots form in the leg
- Pain that persists after the surgery
What To Tell Your Neurosurgeon Before Surgery
Before surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor and inform them of any health concerns or risks you may be facing. Let your surgeon know if you:
- Have blood clotting or have ever had blood clots in your legs (deep venous thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary emboli)
- Have bleeding problems or are taking aspirin, warfarin, or anything else (even some herbal supplements) that might thin your blood
- Have high blood pressure
- Have any allergies
- Have any other health problems or concerns
What To Tell Your Neurosurgeon After Surgery?
After surgery, it is important to follow the discharge and post operation instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, you should follow up with your doctor, or notify your neurosurgeon if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Worsening back pain
- Increasing leg pain, weakness or numbness
- Problems passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowels
- Problems with walking or your balance
- Fever
- Swelling, redness, increased temperature or suspected infection of the wound
- Leakage of fluid from the wound
- Pain or swelling in your calf muscles
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
What is the Financial Cost?
The financial cost for patients can vary depending on insurance, recommendations for the patient and each individual’s health circumstances such as procedure, technical issues, etc. It is important to discuss any financial concerns with your surgeon and insurance provider before undergoing any procedure.
Because a microdiscectomy is a specialized surgery, it can be more expensive that other back surgeries. The price of the operation can range from $15,000 to $50,000, and you may be eligible for a large portion of that to be covered by your health insurance. Be sure to talk with your surgeon, hospital, and insurance provider to consider all your financial options before moving forward.
