This surgery is done in order to remove herniated disc material which presses on the spinal cord or on a nerve root. It can be done by an open technique (Open Discectomy) or using a special microscope (Microscopic discectomy).
Indications
- 1. Weakness and numbness of the feet.
- 2. Very bad pain in the legs spreading from the lower back
- 3. Leg pain symptoms that do not get better after at least 4 weeks of nonsurgical treatment.
- 4. Results of a physical exam show that you have weakness or loss of movement, or an abnormal feeling that is likely to get better after surgery.
Surgery:
Under general anaesthesia, the herniated part of the disc that is pressing on the nerves is removed. Any loose (extruded) fragments of the disc can also be removed during the surgery. The normal surgical time is about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
Post-surgery
After the surgery, the patients usually have complete pain relief in the affected leg. Numbness and weakness take longer time to recover. The patients are made to walk on the 1st day after surgery and are discharged on the 2nd day.
