Insights Into Lumbar Discectomy

: Admin : 2022-05-04

Let's begin by knowing what "LUMBAR" means, it is the lower back portion. And the word "DISCECTOMY" means a surgical process for the removal of complete or a part of the intervertebral disc (disc of the lower back).

Lumbar Discectomy is a process of removal of problematic disc from the lower back portion. As we know that our back is made up of a series of discs, if any of these discs get worn out or is injured then such discs are termed as "herniated disc".

In proper words, the surgical procedure of eradication of herniated disc is known as Lumbar Discectomy. This process is needed because if the disc is not removed then it might damage the nerves in the spine by putting pressure.

Due to these discs, people experience pain running from hip to leg known as sciatic pain, and also people might experience numbness or a sensation of needles piercing in the leg and lower back.

When is the surgery recommended?

The surgery is suggested only when medicines and physical therapy fail to provide you relief from your leg or back pain or you start to lose feel down your legs or if there is any sign of nerve damage.

Symptoms demonstrated by the patient:

• Severe pain in legs and lower back
• Numbness in legs
• Pain running from hip to leg (sciatic)
• No effect of medication or physical therapy
• Leg weakness
• Loss of feeling in legs and genital area
• Loss in bladder control

The Surgical Procedure:

• The patient is asked to lay on their back, to administer the anesthesia.
• Once the anesthesia is in effect, the patient is turned over with the back facing up.
• The place where an incision is to be made is cleaned properly.
• A device called a fluoroscope is used, with the tool the surgeon passes a thin needle into the patient's body.
• This needle is used to detect the damaged area.
• Once detected, an incision is made in the affected area.
• The incision measure depends on the number of the discectomies to be performed.
• Surgical tools will be inserted via the incision.
• The affected area and the surrounding areas are viewed using a microscope.
• Only the damaged disc is retracted.
• The removal of the disc releases the pressure from the spinal nerve.
• After the surgical tools are taken out the incision is sealed either by sewing the cut or with help of staples.
• The wound is then properly cleaned and dressed.

Postoperative procedures:

• All the vitals like blood pressure, heart rate, etc. are monitored.
• Any slightest pain will be attended to.
• The patient is advised to eat or drink after the effect of anesthesia is gone.
• Patients are asked to sit or walk for examination of pain.
• The physiotherapist attends to the patient and advises the course of exercises to follow for the first few weeks.
• Stitches are removed after 10-14 days after the operation.
• Follow-up appointments are scheduled by the surgeon.

Postoperative care to be taken :

After the operation most of the patients are advised the following things ;

• It's important to not bend or twist your back.
• It’s not advisable to lift anything that’s heavier than 5 pounds
• The body must not be strained at any cost so it's advised to avoid housework, heavy work, and even sex.
• Avoid driving for the first few days, but if the pain is in control then you can drive but not much.
• Say a strict no to alcohol as it can cause trouble by mixing with the pain killers.
• Don't stress the stitches, and avoid soaking them in the bath.
• Take timely medication as per prescription.
• Maintain a proper posture while sitting, moving, or sleeping.
• Without fail practice all the prescribed exercises.
• Have a healthy diet and avoid smoking.

Associated Risks:

• The patient might experience a severe amount of pain
• There are chances of heavy bleeding occurring.
• Infection might occur at the place of the incision.
• In some cases, blood clots are observed.
• There is difficulty in passing urine.
• Legs and back can continue to feel numb.
• Patients might experience loss of bladder control.
• In male patients, there might a problem in achieving an erection.
• The intervertebral disc might get infected.
• There might be damage to the spinal nerves.

Lumbar discectomy has a success rate of about 80-90%. So this is a brief about the surgical process and the after care, hope this information proves helpful.