A discectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove part or all of a herniated disc in the spine. It is typically done to alleviate pressure on nerves, which may be causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. While discectomy is generally considered safe, as with all surgical procedures, it comes with risks and potential complications. One of the concerns some patients might have is bleeding after discectomy surgery. In this article you will learn whether post-discectomy bleeding is normal and what it might mean for your recovery.
Before addressing the topic of bleeding, it is important to set expectations for what recovery after discectomy typically involves. Most patients experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure. This is usually due to the body’s natural healing process and the fact that muscles and tissues have been manipulated during surgery.
In the initial days following discectomy, it is normal to have some bruising and swelling around the incision site. This is a result of the body’s response to the surgery and should gradually subside. You might also notice a small amount of drainage from the incision, which is typically a sign of normal healing. This drainage should be clear to light yellow in color.
While some level of bleeding is expected during the surgery itself, significant bleeding after the procedure is not normal and should be addressed immediately. A small amount of spotting or minor bleeding at the incision site may occur in the first few days following surgery, but it should be minimal. Here is what you need to know about different types of bleeding and when it becomes a concern.
If you notice bleeding from the incision site, it could be due to several factors. Most commonly, it is the result of excessive movement or minor trauma to the area. If you observe a small amount of blood seeping through the bandage, this should not be cause for alarm. However, if the bleeding is heavy, does not stop, or increases over time, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
Internal bleeding is a more serious concern. While rare, it can occur due to damage to blood vessels during surgery. Symptoms of internal bleeding include severe pain, swelling, and discoloration in the area around the surgery site as well as possible signs of shock, such as dizziness, fainting, or a rapid heart rate. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels. After a discectomy, a hematoma can form near the surgical site. This might present as a lump or swelling and can cause pain or pressure on surrounding tissues. While some hematomas resolve on their own, others might require drainage or additional medical intervention.
If you are experiencing any of the following, it is important to contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency car
Your surgeon will provide postoperative care instructions and guidance on what to expect during your recovery. Follow these instructions closely and do not hesitate to reach out to your medical team if you have any concerns about bleeding or other postsurgical complications.
While some minor bleeding and bruising can be normal after discectomy, any significant or concerning bleeding should be addressed immediately. By understanding the signs of normal recovery versus complications, you can ensure a smoother healing process and reduce the risk of more severe issues. Always follow your surgeon’s advice, and maintain open lines of communication with your healthcare team during your recovery journey.
Although herniated disc treatment with discectomy surgery is generally very successful, a hole is left in the outer wall of the disc. Patients with a large hole in the outer ring of the disc experience 70 percent of all reherniations after surgery. A new treatment, Barricaid, which is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, was specifically designed to close the large hole often left in the spinal disc after discectomy. In a large-scale study, Barricaid was proven 95 percent effective in a study of over 500 patients. This means 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in the 2-year study timeframe.
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.