How Many Hours Does a Discectomy Take?

A discectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves by removing part or all of a herniated disc. If you or a loved one is scheduled for a discectomy, understanding the timeline for the surgery can alleviate some anxiety. This article offers an in-depth look at how long a discectomy typically takes, from the preparation phase to the recovery room.

Preoperative Preparation

It is important to understand the presurgical process. Patients will undergo a series of evaluations, including MRI scans, physical examinations, and consultations with their surgeons and anesthesiologists to determine the best course of action. This preparation phase is crucial for a successful surgery but is not included in the actual surgical time.

Discectomy Types

The duration of a discectomy varies based on the type of procedure and the complexity of the case. Here is a breakdown of the estimated times for different types of discectomies:

• Open discectomy – This is the traditional form of discectomy surgery. It can take 2 to 3 hours, as it involves a larger incision and more extensive manipulation of tissues.
• Microdiscectomy – This is the most common type of discectomy and typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. The use of a microscope allows for a smaller incision and quicker surgery.
• Endoscopic discectomy – This minimally invasive technique, which uses an endoscope to guide the surgery with even smaller incisions, generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

The Discectomy Procedure

The discectomy itself involves several steps:

• Anesthesia – The patient is put under general anesthesia, which usually takes about 30 minutes to ensure the patient is fully unconscious.
• Incision and access – The surgeon makes an incision and creates a path to the affected disc, which can take around 30–60 minutes depending on the complexity of the case.
• Removal of the disc – The actual removal of the disc or disc material pressing on the nerve typically takes 1–2 hours.
• Closure – Closing the incision with sutures or staples, which takes about 30 minutes.

Factors Influencing Surgery Duration

Several factors can influence how long a discectomy takes, including:

• Surgeon’s experience – A more experienced surgeon may complete the procedure more quickly and efficiently.
• Patient’s health – Underlying health conditions can complicate both the surgery and recovery process.
• Complexity of the case – Some herniations are more challenging to address than others.
• Type of anesthesia – The choice between general and local anesthesia can affect the length of the surgery and recovery time.

Postoperative Recovery

After the surgery is completed, the patient is moved to the recovery room, where he or she will be closely monitored as the anesthesia wears off. This postoperative phase typically includes:

• Immediate recovery – Patients spend about 1 to 2 hours in the recovery room. During this time, medical staff will monitor vital signs and manage any immediate postoperative pain.
• Extended observation – Depending on the hospital’s protocols and the patient’s response to the surgery, the patient may need to stay in the recovery room or a short-stay unit for an additional 1 to 2 hours.

Overall, the postoperative recovery phase can take 2 to 4 hours.

Total Time Spent in the Hospital

When considering the total time from arrival to discharge, patients should plan for:

• Preoperative preparation – 1 to 2 hours
• Surgery – 1 to 3 hours
• Postoperative recovery – 2 to 4 hours

In total, a patient can expect to spend anywhere from 4 to 9 hours at the hospital on the day of his or her discectomy.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After discharge, the recovery process continues at home. Full recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual’s overall health and adherence to postoperative care instructions. Physical therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and mobility.

Understanding the timeline of a discectomy can help patients set realistic expectations for the surgery day. By knowing what to expect, patients can better prepare for their surgery and focus on a smooth recovery. If a discectomy has been recommended to treat your herniated disc, it is essential to discuss all aspects of the surgery, including the duration as well as back surgery recovery time, with your healthcare provider to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding and feel confident going into the procedure.

Although discectomy 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 reherniation following surgery. 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 today.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.