Discectomy

What is a Lumbar Discectomy procedure?

An Intervertebral Disc is a spongy shock absorber that fits between each bone (Vertebrae) in the spine. Each Disc has a strong fibrous outer casing called the Annulus Fibrosus and a soft, squashy, jelly-like interior called the Nucleus Pulposus.

A Lumbar Discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a herniated Intervertebral Disc from the lower spine. This procedure is performed to relieve pressure on nerve roots from a bulging spinal disc and the related pain this condition causes in the lower back, buttocks and legs.

This objective is achieved by a surgeon clearing away as much unnecessary bone, deteriorated disc and damaged ligament as necessary, in order to make optimum space for the spinal nerves to thrive.

Why is a Lumbar Discectomy procedure commonly performed?

When a disc 'slips' or herniates, as it technically known, the Annulus Fibrosus (outer casing) degenerates and allows the Nucleus Pulposus, (inner jelly substance) to bulge out, which in turn puts pressure on the surrounding spinal nerves, leading to debilitating leg, buttock and posterior thigh pain.

A Lumber Discectomy is performed as a result of a disc herniating in the lower spine and to relieve the pain this situation causes. If this condition is left untreated for a significant length of time, then the resulting nerve damage can become permanent and irreversible.

How is a Lumbar Discectomy procedure actually carried out?

The first step in performing a Lumbar Discectomy procedure is to remove a portion of the Lamina of the Vertebra. The Lamina is the portion of the Vertebra that forms the roof over the spinal nerves. Removing a portion of the Lamina creates a window into the spine. The nerves are then pulled to the side so that the herniated disc can be seen. Small instruments are then used to remove the herniated disc material, which will include most of the Nucleus Pulposus to prevent the disc from herniating again.

Once the herniated and unwanted disc material is removed, the nerves will be free of pressure and the space that is left will rapidly fill with scar tissue and heal.
This procedure can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or Spinal/Epidural Anaesthetic (you will be awake, but unaware of any pain). The procedure usually takes around one hour to complete, dependant on the complexity and severity of the herniated disc.

This procedure is carried out with a patient positioned on their front throughout the procedure and through an incision, which is made over the affected area of the lower spine. Following surgery the surgical wound is closed with stitches (sutures) and covered with an absorbent dressing.

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic, they are normally quickly encouraged to be as gently active and mobile as possible to avoid complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or joint stiffness from developing. It is normal for patients to be encouraged to take a few steps with support and guidance from a physiotherapist the day after surgery.

Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control, patients are normally discharged home around 2-5 days following surgery. By the time the required level of recovery is achieved for discharge, patients are normally wearing a simple wound dressing, eating and drinking normally, walking confidently and unaided and taking only mild analgesia (pain killers).

Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity and walking distances. Your Consultant Surgeon will assess your mobility, spine flexibility and pain control after 6 weeks and then again after three months to evaluate how successful your Lumbar Discectomy procedure has been.

Patients who are in employment should not resume work until after their first consultation and dependant on the physical nature of their job, may be advised to take longer off work. Patients should expect a continuous and full physical recovery to take between 6 - 10 months to achieve.

Are there any risks associated with Lumbar Discectomy surgery?

Although Lumbar Discectomy surgery is commonly performed without complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking such specialist back surgery. All surgery, no matter how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation with an expert in spinal surgery, to discuss your condition in relation to these risks, cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for a Lumbar Discectomy procedure?

At Surgical Advisor our specialists will carry out a full evaluation of your individual needs and circumstances and provide you with a comprehensive verbal and written explanation of any recommended treatment.

Our Expert Consultant Spinal Surgeons understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating specialist back surgery of this kind. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any treatment.

To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an Expert Consultant Spinal Surgeon: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com