Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Microdiscectomy Surgery
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to remove herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root in the spine. The surgery aims to relieve symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs caused by a herniated disc. Though it is considered less invasive compared to traditional open surgery, patients often wonder about its risks and benefits. In this article, you will learn whether microdiscectomy is considered high risk and get an in-depth look at the procedure, potential complications, and recovery expectations.
Understanding the Procedure
Microdiscectomy involves making a small incision in the skin through which a surgeon uses a microscope or endoscope to remove the part of the herniated disc that is compressing the spinal nerve. The goal is to alleviate the pressure on the nerve, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. Because it is minimally invasive, it generally requires a smaller incision and results in less tissue damage than traditional surgery, often leading to a quicker recovery.
The Risks of Microdiscectomy Surgery
While microdiscectomy is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, it is not without its risks. As with any surgical intervention, it carries the possibility of complications. Here are some of the most common risks associated with the surgery:
- Wound complications – Wound complications, including superficial infections, deep infections (discitis), and poor healing, occur in a small percentage of cases. The rate ranges from 1.2 percent to 3.5 percent, depending on the surgical technique.
- Durotomy – Durotomy, or tearing of the dura (the protective covering of the spinal cord), is a potential complication that occurs in 1.1 percent to 6.6 percent of cases. While usually repairable during surgery, it can lead to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage if not properly addressed.
- Nerve injury – Although microdiscectomy is designed to relieve pressure on the nerves, there is a slight risk of nerve damage during the procedure. This can lead to temporary or permanent issues, such as weakness, numbness, or loss of motor function. Nerve injury is rare, but it can occur if the surgeon is not careful or if the anatomy is challenging.
- Bleeding – While the surgery is minimally invasive, there is still a risk of bleeding. If bleeding occurs, it may lead to hematoma formation (a collection of blood) around the surgical site, which could cause increased pressure and discomfort. In some cases, the hematoma may need to be drained through another procedure.
- Reherniation – One of the potential risks after a microdiscectomy is the possibility of the disc herniating again, which can cause a return of symptoms. Although the chances of reherniation are relatively low, they do exist. Factors such as lifestyle habits, weight, and post-surgery rehabilitation play a role in reducing the risk of reherniation.
- Persistent pain – In rare cases, patients may continue to experience pain following the procedure. This could happen if the surgery does not fully address the underlying issue or if additional issues arise that were not initially detected. While microdiscectomy is highly effective for most patients, persistent pain can sometimes occur, and further treatment may be necessary.
Factors that Influence Risk
The risks associated with microdiscectomy can vary based on several factors, including:
- Patient health – Patients who are generally healthy and have no underlying medical conditions are at lower risk for complications. However, those with chronic health issues such as diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular problems may face a higher risk of infection, delayed healing, or other complications.
- Surgeon expertise – The skill and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure play a significant role in minimizing risks. Surgeons who perform microdiscectomy regularly and who specialize in spinal surgeries are more likely to achieve successful outcomes with fewer complications.
- Surgical environment – Microdiscectomy is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center that meets high standards of cleanliness and safety. However, the quality of the surgical facility, along with adherence to best practices and sterile techniques, can impact the likelihood of complications such as infection.
- Postsurgical care – Proper rehabilitation and postsurgical care are critical to reducing the risk of complications. Following the surgeon’s instructions for rest, physical therapy, and activity limitations can prevent issues such as reherniation or nerve damage.
Benefits of Microdiscectomy
While the risks should not be ignored, microdiscectomy has several significant benefits that make it an appealing option for many patients with herniated discs. These include:
- Minimally invasive – The smaller incision means less tissue damage, reduced pain, and a shorter recovery time.
- Fast recovery – Many patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks, compared to several months of recovery with traditional surgery.
- Pain relief – Most patients experience significant relief from sciatica or leg pain, which is one of the primary reasons for seeking surgery.
- Increased mobility – After the pressure on the nerve is relieved, patients often experience enhanced mobility and strength, which helps them resume daily activities.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery time after microdiscectomy varies from person to person, but most patients can expect to return to light activities within a few weeks. Full recovery may take several months. Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the back and prevent future injuries. The risk of complications during microdiscectomy recovery can be minimized by following all postsurgical instructions, including avoiding heavy lifting and adhering to physical therapy protocols.
When Microdiscectomy Is Usually Considered
Microdiscectomy is typically considered when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications, do not provide adequate relief from symptoms. The decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can assess your specific condition and determine the best course of action.
Microdiscectomy is not considered high risk for most patients, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon. The procedure has a low rate of serious complications, and the benefits in terms of pain relief and increased mobility make it a popular choice for those suffering from herniated discs. However, as with any surgery, it is important to understand the potential risks and discuss them with your doctor before proceeding.
If you are considering microdiscectomy or have concerns about spinal surgery, speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment options for you.
Although microdiscectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, patients with a larger hole in the outer ring of the disc have a significantly higher risk of herniation following surgery. This risk is doubled if there is a large hole in the outer ring of the disc. 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 performed 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 directly.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.