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Spine Surgery : Discectomy
This is the gold standard of disc surgery. Using an operating microscope, the disc is approached from behind through an incision of 1 to 2 inches. A window is opened in the bone to have access to the disc. The nerve roots are retracted and the broken part of the disc is removed as well as all loose fragments.
In most instances, the surgery takes about an hour. Many patients go home the same day or the next morning but that depends on age and general health. Stitches or staples are removed after 10 to 14 days. It is preferable to avoid sitting for about one week after surgery as this increases the pressure inside the disc. I also prefer patients to take over-the-counter stool softeners to avoid straining just after surgery.
The success rate, when done for the correct reasons is about 95% and the complication rate 1-2%. It’s hard to beat!
A criticism is that it creates scar tissues around the nerve roots. The necessary retraction of the nerve root may irritate it. This irritation frequently causes all or part of the leg to feel numb, but this usually recovers over a few months.
Physical therapy is started after a couple of weeks. Heavy lifting is not allowed for 3 months.
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