A microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a small portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root in the spine. It is a minimally invasive technique that uses a microscope and tiny instruments to access the disc through a small incision. A microdiscectomy can relieve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, which are often caused by sciatica, a condition where the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated by a herniated disc.
Patients may be concerned about whether microdiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment option and wonder if they should avoid it. In this article you will learn about the pros and cons of microdiscectomy and the factors that may influence your decision.
Pros of Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy has several advantages over other types of surgery, such as:
- High success rate – According to a systematic review of 26 studies, the overall success rate of microdiscectomy ranged from 78 to 95%, with an average of 88%. This means most patients experience significant pain relief and improvement in their function and quality of life after the surgery.
- Low complication rate – Microdiscectomy is a safe procedure, and complications are rare. According to a study of 2,500 patients, the complication rate for microdiscectomy was less than 1.5%. The most common complications were infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and recurrent disc herniation, which were usually mild and treatable.
- Short recovery time – Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that causes minimal damage to the surrounding tissues and muscles. This means microdiscectomy recovery time is shorter and easier than other types of surgery. Most patients can go home the same day or the next day after the surgery and resume their normal activities within a few weeks.
- Less pain and scarring – Microdiscectomy uses a small incision that is about an inch long, which reduces the pain and scarring after the surgery. Most patients only need over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage their post-operative pain. The scar is also less noticeable.
Cons of Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy also has some disadvantages to consider, such as:
- Not a cure – Microdiscectomy is not a cure but a procedure that provides symptom relief. It does not address the underlying cause of the disc herniation, such as aging, degeneration, or injury. Therefore, there is a chance the disc herniation may recur or worsen over time and require another surgery or treatment.
- Not suitable for everyone – Microdiscectomy is not suitable for everyone. It is typically recommended for patients who have severe, persistent, or disabling symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections.
- Not without risks – Microdiscectomy, like any surgery, is not without risks. Although the complication rate is low, there is still a possibility of infection, bleeding, nerve injury, recurrent disc herniation, or other adverse events. Some patients may also experience post-operative pain, stiffness, or numbness, which may take time to resolve. Some patients may also not achieve the desired outcome or satisfaction after the surgery and may need additional treatments or interventions.
Factors Affecting Your Decision
The decision to have a microdiscectomy is a personal one that depends on several factors, such as:
- The severity and duration of your symptoms – If you have mild or moderate symptoms that are tolerable and do not interfere with your daily activities, you may not need a microdiscectomy. However, if you have severe or chronic symptoms that affect your function and quality of life and do not respond to conservative treatments, you may benefit from a microdiscectomy.
- The cause and location of your disc herniation – If you have a single-level disc herniation that is compressing the nerve root, you may be a good candidate for a microdiscectomy. However, if you have multiple-level disc herniations, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or other spinal problems, you may not be eligible for a microdiscectomy and may need a different type of surgery or treatment.
- Your age, health, and lifestyle – If you are young, healthy, and active, you may have a higher chance for success and a lower risk of complications after a microdiscectomy. However, if you are older, obese, or a smoker, you may have less success and a higher complication risk. You may also need to make some lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and avoiding activities that put strain on your spine to prevent further disc damage and recurrence of symptoms.
Microdiscectomy is a valuable tool in addressing the challenges posed by a herniated disc. By understanding the procedure’s benefits and risks, individuals can make informed decisions about their spinal health. Always consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
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 or microdiscectomy 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 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, ask your doctor or contact us.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.