What is Microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy, also known as microdiskectomy or microdecompression, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used by our board-certified neurosurgeons. The procedure involves cutting away portions of a herniated disc to relieve pressure placed on the spinal cord or nerve root. This can be extremely effective in improving pain and diminished mobility stemming from a herniated lumbar or cervical disc.
Florida Surgery Consultants offers two kinds of microdiscectomy surgery. A cervical microdiscectomy is used to treat a herniated cervical disc and can help improve pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands. On the other hand, a lumbar microdiscectomy can help improve pain and numbness in the legs by treating a herniated lumbar disc.
What is a Microdiscectomy Surgery Used to Treat?
For people suffering from pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs or arms, caused by a herniated disc, a microdiscectomy can be a very safe and reliable treatment option. A herniated disc, also called a pinched nerve is a condition where a disc (round cushions between the bones of the spine) ruptures and begins to press out into the spinal nerves.
Often a herniated disc can be treated simply through physical rest and pain medication, or physical therapy if needed. However, for some people the condition can persist for months. If pain or numbness from a herniated disc does not improve within several months, surgery may be the best option.
Fortunately microdiscectomy is an option that has proven to be quick and very effective. This surgery is used to treat pain conditions caused by herniated discs, such as sciatica. Your doctor may want you to try a nonoperative treatment first, but should the need for a microdiscectomy arise our highly trained neurosurgeons are ready to take care of you.
How Microdiscectomy is Performed?
A microdiscectomy is a relatively fast surgery, lasting around one to two hours. A general anesthesia is used during operation so the patient will be unconscious and unable to feel any pain.
The procedure involves making a small 1 to 11/2-inch incision in the back, above the aggravated disc while the patient is lying face down. Next, the back muscles covering the spine are moved aside and a small portion of the facet joint may be removed to facilitate access to the root nerve. With the use of an operating microscope and a scissor-like instrument gently inserted beneath the root nerve, the surgeon will cut away the affected disc tissue. Once all the aggravating tissue has been removed the incision will be sealed with one to two sutures.
Because only a small portion of the herniated disc is removed during a microdiscectomy, the mechanical structure of the spine is left intact. This opens up enough room in the spinal column for the spinal nerve without causing any serious physical issues and should relieve any pain caused from pinching.
Microdiscectomy Success Rate
Microdiscectomy, also known as microdecompression or microdiskectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used primarily to treat a herniated lumbar disc. By removing a small portion of the offending disc material that’s pressing on the nerve, the procedure can provide significant relief from pain and other related symptoms.
Success Rate: The success rate for microdiscectomy varies based on the specific criteria being evaluated (e.g., relief from leg pain, return to work, or overall satisfaction). However, in general:
- Pain Relief: Many studies indicate that 80-90% of patients experience significant relief from sciatica (leg pain) after undergoing a microdiscectomy.
- Overall Satisfaction: Post-surgery, a high percentage of patients report being satisfied with the results.
- Return to Activities: Most patients are able to return to their normal activities and work within weeks, depending on the nature of their job and physical demands.
- Complications: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of complications. However, microdiscectomy has a relatively low complication rate, with a small percentage of patients experiencing issues such as infection, nerve damage, or dural tear.
Reherniation: One of the concerns after microdiscectomy is the risk of reherniation. In the months following the surgery, there’s a chance (generally between 5-15%) that the disc might herniate again at the same location.
Factors Affecting Success: Numerous factors can influence the success of the surgery:
- The precise nature and location of the herniation.
- The surgeon’s expertise.
- The patient’s overall health and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
- Whether the surgery is being done for the first time or is a repeat procedure.
It’s crucial to note that while microdiscectomy has a high success rate, it primarily addresses leg pain (sciatica) caused by nerve compression and may not always alleviate lower back pain.
How to Prepare for a Microdiscectomy Surgery
If you qualify for a microdiscectomy procedure in Florida, it is important to take time to read up on and understand what is involved in getting the surgery and how the procedure is performed. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about how to prepare for the surgery in advance.
It is also important to discuss undergoing this procedure with your insurance carrier ahead of time. This procedure is a specialized surgery. As such, it requires a specially trained surgeon to perform the task.
What does this mean for you? This means the procedure can be more expensive than other back surgeries. Microdiscectomies can range from $15,000 to $50,000 in price. If you are covered by health insurance, a large portion of this cost may be covered.
In order to avoid any complications during surgery, let your surgeon know what medications you are already taking ahead of time. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications before the day of surgery, such as blood thinners. Remember not to eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
In some cases, your surgeon may ask you to go through more imaging tests of your spine, like an MRI.
What to Expect Post-Surgery?
Fortunately, the recovery time for microdiscectomy is very short compared to more invasive surgeries. Your surgeon will go through any post-surgery instructions with you once the procedure is over. You should expect to be released from the hospital within 24 hours after the procedure has been performed.
Before being discharged, you may be asked to meet with a physical therapist to review recovery methods. This may include going over how to minimize stress and movement from the muscles in your back, as well as exercises to help develop spinal strength and flexibility.
Recovery time typically takes between two to four weeks. Refrain from any physical stress during this recovery period, such as lifting heavy objects or sitting for long periods of time. You may be able to return to work within two to four weeks. However, if your work is physically demanding, it may be best to wait four to eight weeks before returning.
Be sure to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions during your recovery to avoid any potential complications. If you have any questions about microdiscectomy or other neurological procedures we specialize in at Florida Surgery Consultants, please give us a call at (888) 411-6824 or you can use the form on this page to easily schedule a consultation with a board certified neurosurgeon here in Florida.
As with any surgery, there are inherent risks, though they are rare. Your provider will discuss these with you prior to surgery.
Recovery Process After a Microdiscectomy
The recovery time after your surgery can vary from 1 week to 4 weeks. Physical therapy may be recommended if your surgeon suggests it. Many patients return back to work within 2 weeks after their Cervical Micro Discectomy. If your job requires a lot of physical effort, then it is recommended you wait to return back to work after 8 weeks.
