Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy Surgery | ISI
Overview
The purpose of a microdiscectomy and laminectomy surgery are to remove pressure on spinal nerves and decrease radiating leg pain. Dr. Rodriguez does this through a minimally invasive spine approach, which decreases pain and shortens recovery time. This is a very common surgery performed by all spine surgeons with an excellent success rate of 90 percent for leg pain due to herniated disc, spinal stenosis or boney growth impinging the spinal cord or nerves.
Benefits:
- 90% Success Rate Relieving Leg Pain
- Less Structural Damage To Supporting Muscles Than Traditional Open Spine Surgery
- Less Post-Operative Pain
- Minimal Infection Rates
- Less Operative And Post-operative Bleeding
- Faster Recovery And Return To Work
- Less Physical Therapy Needed
What Are The Indications For Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy Surgery?
- Herniated Disc
- Bulging Disc
- Sciatica
- Foraminal Stenosis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Lateral Recess Stenosis
- Severe Leg Pain and/or weakness
Immediate Surgery Is Indicated When:
- Patient Is Suffering From Bowel/Bladder Incontinence from Cauda Equina Syndrome (Severe Spinal Nerve Compression)
- Progressive Neurological Deficits
How Is A Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy Surgery Performed?
A minimally invasive approach involves a small 15-20mm incision and sequential dilating tubes that gently spread the muscles to afford visualization to the spine. With this technique, patients have better recovery than traditional open surgery that strips muscle from the bone in order for surgeons to see. With the assistance of a microscope or special loupe magnifying glasses, our surgeon can directly visualize the bony or herniated disc material that is compressing the nerves and causing the pain. The bone and/or disc are removed with micro instruments in order to free the nerves and alleviate the pain running down the patient’s leg.
What Is the Recovery After a MIS Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy Surgery?
Generally, patients are kept overnight for observation and pain control with intravenous medication. However, one could go home the same day if there are recovered from anesthesia and their pain is well controlled with pain pills. Dr. Rodriguez usually has patients wear a supportive brace when out of bed for 6 weeks. This should diminish the pain and decrease the risk of re-herniating the disc. Physical therapy is typically suggested and may be required after 6 weeks. Most patients return to work 6 weeks after the procedure. Patients doing heavy lifting jobs may need to wait 3-6 months (after adequately rehabilitating the muscles) before they can return to full duty.
What Are The Risks Of A Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy Surgery?
Using a less Invasive approach significantly lowers the incidence of complications and risk. Risk and complications that are possible with a MIS Microdiscectomy surgery include but not limited to:
- Nerve Damage
- Tear To The Nerve Sac
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Recurrent Herniation
