If you suffer from a herniated disc, you may have heard of microdiscectomy as a possible treatment option. Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that involves removing a small portion of the disc that is pressing on a nerve root and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Microdiscectomy can be effective for some patients, but it is not without risks and limitations. In this article you will learn about an alternative to microdiscectomy that may offer better outcomes and fewer complications: endoscopic discectomy.
Endoscopic discectomy is a type of spine surgery that uses a thin flexible tube called an endoscope to access the disc and remove the herniated material. The endoscope has a camera and a light at its tip, allowing the surgeon to see inside the spine and perform the procedure with precision and accuracy. The endoscope also has instruments attached to it that can cut, grab, or vaporize the disc tissue.
Unlike microdiscectomy, which requires a small incision in the back and muscle dissection, endoscopic discectomy can be done through a tiny puncture in the skin. This means less damage to the surrounding tissues, less blood loss, less pain, and faster recovery. Endoscopic discectomy can also preserve more of the disc than microdiscectomy, which may reduce the risk of recurrent herniation or disc degeneration.
Endoscopic discectomy has several advantages over microdiscectomy, such as:
Endoscopic discectomy is suitable for patients who have:
Endoscopic discectomy may not be appropriate for patients who have:
If you are considering endoscopic discectomy, you should consult with a qualified spine surgeon who has experience and expertise in performing this procedure. The surgeon will evaluate your medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests (such as MRI or CT scan) to determine if you are a good candidate for endoscopic discectomy. The surgeon will also explain the risks and benefits of endoscopic discectomy and answer any questions you may have.
Before the surgery, you surgeon will recommend you:
You should also:
Endoscopic discectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation, which means you will be awake but relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. You may also receive antibiotics and painkillers before the surgery. The surgery typically takes about an hour, depending on the complexity and number of levels involved.
During the surgery, you will lie on your stomach or side on a special table that allows the surgeon to adjust the position of your spine. The surgeon will make a small puncture in your skin over the affected disc and insert the endoscope through it. The surgeon will then use the endoscope to visualize the disc and nerve roots and remove the herniated material with the instruments attached to the endoscope. The surgeon will also flush the disc space with saline to wash out any debris or infection. The surgeon will then remove the endoscope and close the puncture wound with a bandage.
After the surgery, you will be transferred to a recovery room, where you will be monitored for any signs of complications. You may feel some soreness or numbness in your back or leg, which is normal and will subside in a few days. You may also receive some pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs to ease your discomfort. You will be encouraged to walk around as soon as possible to prevent blood clots and stiffness. You will be discharged from the hospital once you are stable and comfortable, usually within 24 hours.
Make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care, medication, activity, and follow-up visits. Avoid bending, twisting, lifting, or driving for at least two weeks after the surgery. You should also avoid sitting for prolonged periods or sleeping on your stomach. Gradually resume your normal activities as tolerated, but avoid any strenuous or high-impact activities for at least six weeks after the surgery. You should also participate in a physical therapy program to strengthen your core muscles and improve your posture and flexibility.
You should notice an improvement in your symptoms within a few days after the surgery, but it may take several weeks or months for the nerve root to heal completely. Report any signs of infection (such as fever, redness, swelling, or drainage), bleeding, worsening pain, or new neurological symptoms (such as weakness, numbness, or bladder or bowel problems) to your surgeon immediately.
If you are looking for an alternative to microdiscectomy that can improve your quality of life and restore your spinal health, endoscopic discectomy may be the right choice for you. Even though microdiscectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, patients with these large holes in their discs are more than twice as likely to reinjure themselves by having what is known as a reherniation. These reherniations often require additional surgery or even fusions. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.