Microlumbar Disc Surgery
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Microlumbar disc surgery is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other spinal injuries or abnormalities. The procedure involves making a small incision in the back and using a special microscope or endoscope to access the damaged disc.
During the surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the disc that is compressing the spinal nerve or spinal cord. This is done with specialized surgical tools and techniques that minimize damage to the surrounding tissues and muscles.
The benefits of microlumbar disc surgery over traditional open spine surgery include smaller incisions, less blood loss, reduced post-operative pain, and a shorter recovery time. However, not all patients are candidates for this type of surgery, and the decision to undergo any type of spine surgery should be carefully considered with a qualified spine specialist.
The surgery is done under general anaesthesia. Some preoperative antibiotics are given and the patient is positioned on a radiolucent table in the prone position. The surgical region is cleaned by a special solution and the process is called preparation and draping. The entire surgical team wears sterile surgical attire to maintain a bacteria-free environment. A smaller longitudinal incision of around 2cm long is made in the lower back at the site of the herniated disc. Special retractors and a microscope are used. It helps the spine surgeon by providing a clear visual of the herniated disc. Same is sometimes accomplished by tubular retractors and endoscopes. This is known as a microendoscopic procedure .
The bone spurs and the lamina are removed by inserting the special surgical tools and this approach is referred to as a laminectomy. It provides a clear path to access the herniated disc by gently retracting the nerves. Finally, the pieces of a herniated disc are dissected and removed carefully. After that, the incision is closed with sutures. If absorbable stitches are used, they dissolve in the body on their own.
Typically after lumbar discectomy, patients are discharged on the same day or the next day. Before discharging, physical therapists work with them to provide some instructions and techniques of getting in and out of bed and walking independently. Usually in almost 99% of cases with micro lumbar discectomy patients are made to walk within a few hours after surgery. As the incisions are small, small bandages are affixed over the sutures and patients are advised to keep the surgical site clean and dry. Routine activities of daily living are encouraged. Activities like driving and prolonged sitting will need a few weeks’ time before resumption.
Patients should not miss the follow-up visit that maybe around 12-14 days after surgery. In the visit, the incision will be inspected and provides a prescription to begin physical therapies and back exercises for 3-4 weeks post-surgery.
Patients are insisted to avoid bending, twisting and lifting weights for the first few weeks after surgery in order to avoid a strain injury or recurrent disc injury. Patients should avoid sitting more time in the same position in the first few weeks after surgery, they should stretch or walk because movement plays a dominant role after surgery. Getting up and walking around in the early postoperative period helps to lower the risk of scar tissue formation. Patients can do light work after 1 or 2 weeks post-surgery. Patients might return to sports or other heavy work 2 to 3 months following surgery.