A discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of a damaged spinal disc that is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord. A discectomy can relieve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by a herniated disc.
However, a discectomy is not without risks and complications. Some of these complications may occur shortly after the surgery, while others may develop over time. This article will discuss some of the possible long-term complications of a discectomy and how to prevent or treat them.
Recurrent or Persistent Symptoms
One of the most common long-term complications of a discectomy is the recurrence or persistence of symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back or legs. This can happen for various reasons, such as:- Incomplete removal of the disc material
- Reherniation of the same disc or herniation of an adjacent disc
- Instability of the spine due to loss of disc height or function
To prevent or reduce the risk of recurrent or persistent symptoms after a discectomy, patients should follow their doctors’ instructions and recommendations, such as:
- Taking prescribed medications to control pain and inflammation
- Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending for several weeks after surgery
- Participating in physical therapy to increase strength, flexibility, and function
- Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and maintaining good posture
Scar Tissue Formation
Scar tissue can form at the surgical site after a discectomy. While some scarring is normal, excessive scar tissue can cause complications. It may lead to nerve compression, recurring pain, and decreased mobility. Regular physical therapy and exercises can help patients manage this issue, but it is crucial to monitor and address any unusual discomfort.
Disc Degeneration
Post-discectomy, there is a risk of accelerated disc degeneration in the adjacent discs. Removing a portion of one disc can place additional stress on neighboring discs, potentially leading to pain and further surgeries down the road. Patients should maintain healthy lifestyles and follow their surgeons’ advice to mitigate this risk.Infection
Another possible long-term complication of a discectomy is infection, which can occur at the site of the surgery or in the spine itself. Infection can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, redness, swelling, drainage, or increased pain at the surgical site. Infection can also spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications, such as sepsis or meningitis.The risk of infection after a discectomy is low, but it can increase if the patient has certain risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, immunosuppression, or smoking. The risk of infection can also increase if the patient does not follow proper wound care and hygiene during discectomy recovery.
To prevent or treat infection after a discectomy, the patient should:
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry
- Change the dressing as instructed by the doctor
- Avoid touching or scratching the surgical site
- Report any signs or symptoms of infection to the doctor immediately
- Take antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor
Nerve Damage
A rare but serious long-term complication of a discectomy is nerve damage, which can occur during the surgery due to accidental injury to the nerve root or spinal cord. Nerve damage can also occur after the surgery due to scar tissue formation, spinal instability, or spinal cord compression.Nerve damage can cause permanent symptoms, such as loss of sensation, movement, reflexes, or bowel and bladder control in the affected area. Nerve damage can also cause chronic pain that is difficult to treat.
The risk of nerve damage after a discectomy is very low, but it can vary depending on the location and severity of the disc herniation, the skill and experience of the surgeon, and the type and technique of the surgery. For example, a less invasive microdiscectomy may pose a less significant risk of nerve damage than a traditional discectomy.
To prevent or minimize nerve damage after a discectomy, a patient should:
- Choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who performs minimally invasive techniques
- Follow up with regular check-ups and imaging tests to monitor the healing process
- Report any new or worsening neurological symptoms to the doctor promptly
- Seek appropriate treatment for nerve pain, such as medications, injections, or electrical stimulation devices
On the journey to recovering from a discectomy, it is crucial to be aware of potential long-term complications. While many patients experience significant relief, others may face challenges such as scar tissue formation, disc degeneration, or recurring symptoms. Vigilance, regular follow-ups, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle can mitigate these concerns and ensure a smoother path to a pain-free future.
Issues such as long-term complications and back surgery recovery time vary among individuals who have discectomies and may often depend on factors such as whether the patient has a large hole in the outer ring of the disc after surgery. If the hole in the disc is larger than a standard pencil eraser, the patient has a significant risk of experiencing a reherniation. In fact, patients with these larger holes have up to 5 times the risk of reherniation. These reherniations often require additional surgery or even a larger spinal fusion operation. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device shown to reduce reherniations by closing the hole in the disc after a discectomy, 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 microdiscectomy—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, you may ask your doctor or contact us at 844-705-1081.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
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