A discectomy is a surgery done to remove a herniated disc from the spinal canal.
When adisc herniationoccurs, a fragment of the normal spinal disc is dislodged.
This fragment may press against the nerves that come off the spinal cord.
ERproductions Ltd / Getty Images
This procedure is called a discectomy.
The traditional surgery is called an open discectomy.
The Procedure
A discectomy is performed under general anesthesia.
It is performed with the patient lying face down, and the back pointing upwards.
The incision is usually about 3 centimeters in length.
Your surgeon then carefully dissects the muscles away from the bone of your spine.
This part of the procedure is called a laminotomy.
Once this bone and ligament are removed, your surgeon can see and protect the spinal nerves.
Once the disc herniation is found, the herniated disc fragment is removed.
Pain around the incision is common, but usually well controlled with oral pain medications.
Patients often spend one night in the hospital but are usually then discharged the following day.
A lumbar corset brace may help with some symptoms of pain but is not necessary in all cases.
Gentle activities are encouraged after surgery, such as sitting upright and walking.
Patients must avoid lifting heavy objects, and should try not to bend or twist the back excessively.
Patients should avoid strenuous activity or exercise until cleared by their healthcare provider.
This is a so-called recurrent disc herniation, and the risk of this occurring is about 10-15%.
Most patients find relief of much, if not all, of their symptoms from a discectomy.
Other risks of surgery include spinal fluid leaks, bleeding, and infection.
All of these can usually be treated but may require a longer hospitalization or additional surgery.
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive disc surgery that uses specialized instruments and smaller incisions.
The procedure may not requiregeneral anesthesiaand is done through a smaller incision with less tissue dissection.
Microdiscectomy and endoscopic microdiscectomy are appropriate in some specific situations, but not in all.
Some patients are better served with a traditional open discectomy.
Discuss with your healthcare provider if minimally invasive surgery may be appropriate for you.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Herniated disc.
2019;98(50):e16627.
