Discectomy Surgery in India

What happens during a discectomy?

Before making a decision regarding spine surgery, the patient should undergo a thorough diagnostic checkup via diagnostic tests like blood tests, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like – MRI scan, CT scan, X-rays, etc. The results of these diagnostic tests will help determine the type of surgery and anesthesia best for the patient, overall recovery period, etc.

Once the patient has passed the vital signs checkup, the anesthesia is administered. After the anesthesia has taken effect, the patient’s back is scrubbed and cleaned. Then, based on the type of surgery to be performed, the incision is made and surgery is performed. A part of the vertebral bone called lamina is removed (laminectomy or laminotomy). Finally, the incision is closed and dressed.

What to expect after a Discectomy?

Discectomy surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia, but minimally invasive procedures can be performed under spinal anesthesia. Ideally, only a small part of the disc compressing the nerves is removed, in addition to the required amount of spinal bone and ligaments. In case, the whole disc is to be taken out, the spinal column is either fused or a disc implant is inserted to prevent spinal instability.

Once the surgery is done, the patient is moved to a recovery room for observation. Most patients are hospitalized overnight to ensure there are no complications, but sometimes patients are discharged on the same day. Patients can return to work within 2-6 weeks of the surgery, depending on the type of work, the complexity of the surgery, physiotherapy, etc.

What are the recovery tips a patient should follow after discectomy?

While discectomy is generally very effective in reducing spinal pain, it is not a permanent treatment, especially if the patient doesn’t follow proper postoperative care and instructions. Recovery tips a patient should follow to attain complete recovery without complications and to prevent recurrence are:

• Take short walks as often as you can to improve your spine strength and muscle tone. Don’t exert yourself beyond necessary.
• Avoid activities like bending, twisting, heavy lifting, climbing stairs, etc., till you have your doctor’s or physiotherapist’s approval.
• Take your medicines as prescribed to manage your pain and prevent postoperative infections.
• Call your surgeon immediately if you notice signs of complications like fever, night sweats, persistent drainage from the incision, worsening pain or weakness, chest pain or shortness of breath, sudden loss of bowel or bladder function, etc.
• Follow a healthy and balanced diet and hydrate well to avoid constipation and maintain a healthy weight.
• Keep the incision clean and dry till it has healed. Avoid baths, swimming, etc., before getting approval from your surgeon.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep. Sleep on your back with your torso raised using pillows or rolled up blankets.
• Avoid sitting for long periods, going on long car rides, etc., till you’ve received approval from your doctor.
• Wear a back or neck brace as recommended, and make sure you undergo your physiotherapy without any delay.

What are the types of discectomy?

• Microdiscectomy is the minimally invasive version of a traditional discectomy surgery. It is performed using a special microscope that magnifies the surgical field and allows the surgeon a better view. It is often considered as the gold standard for discectomy surgery.
• Percutaneous discectomy is performed by inserting a probe through a needle-like puncture through the skin. The surgeon removes a small portion of the central disc to relieve the pain.
• Endoscopic discectomy is another minimally invasive variant of the surgery, during which a small incision is made to insert the probe and surgical instruments to operate on the herniated disc.
• Laser discectomy is similar to other procedures, except the surgery is performed using a laser beam for better recovery.

What are the risks associated with discectomy surgery?

Although minimally invasive discectomy surgery is very safe, in certain cases, there may be complications after the surgery, if the patient and doctor do not follow proper postoperative care after the surgery. Common risks of discectomy surgery are:

• Hemorrhage
• Infection
• Leakage of spinal fluid
• Injury to soft tissues, blood vessels, or nerves around the operative region
• Poor surgical outcome, i.e., failure to resolve the symptoms
• Anesthesia-related complications
• Recurrence of disc herniation
• Thrombus formation
• Nerve palsy or compression injury