The spine is comprised of vertebrae (bones) and disc fragments where the spinal cord runs. The function of the intervertebral discs is to provide a cushion for the vertebrae and to create space for the nerves to exit from the spinal canal to the right and left sides.
A herniated or bulging disk occurs when the soft inner portion of the disc (nucleus pulposus) ruptures out of the affected disk, often involving the damaged intervertebral disc and sometimes a bony vertebral component such as bone spurs. When a portion of the soft, spongy herniated disk protrudes in the lumbar spine, which consists of five vertebrae labeled L1 to L5, or cervical spine, the damaged disk material can put pressure on the exiting spinal nerves or nerve root, causing a constellation of symptoms.
These symptoms usually include shooting or severe pain, numbness, or tingling down one leg or the other (also called radiculopathy or sciatica), and are sometimes accompanied by lower back pain or radiating pain in the back and lower extremities. This nerve compression may also be described as a pinched nerve or nerve impingement and can result in radicular pain that travels along the path of the affected nerve. In some cases, patients may also notice muscle weakness or other symptoms depending on the degree of severe nerve root compression and nerve irritation. This is where a Dallas minimally invasive microdiscectomy surgeon can help.
What Is Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy?
The initial treatment of a lumbar disc herniation is conservative methods, including a short period of rest followed by physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory and pain medicines are usually incorporated early in the treatment plan to help calm the irritation of the nerve root caused by the herniated disc, and your Dallas minimally invasive microdiscectomy doctor may prescribe pain medications as part of this approach. Steroids or epidural spinal injections can also be injected directly around the nerve compression to help with inflammation as well.
An estimated 90% of lumbar disc herniations in many patients will resolve without surgical management in 90 days. Patients are typically advised to avoid heavy lifting during this period to prevent additional strain on the affected disc and surrounding tissues. If symptoms worsen or persist despite conservative therapies and pain medications, surgery, such as minimally invasive spinal surgery may be indicated.
The surgery performed for lumbar disc herniation is a minimally invasive discectomy. A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that relieves pressure on a spinal cord root by removing the portion of the spinal disc if any bone is putting pressure on the nerve, ultimately causing pain in the surrounding muscles. This complete procedure is designed to minimize postoperative complications and promote healing while preserving spinal health.
In minimally invasive microdiscectomy, the Dallas minimally invasive microdiscectomy specialist inserts tiny tools through a very small incision, typically less than 1 inch, and uses a microscope to remove the herniated part of the disc, rather than the traditional ‘open’ surgical technique that requires a larger incision. Compared to open surgery, this minimally invasive surgery is designed to minimize disruption to adjacent nerves and surrounding tissues while still allowing the surgeon to gain access to the affected disc space. This technique reduces blood loss and postoperative pain, contributing to a faster recovery period that depends on the patient’s body’s healing capacity. Strict adherence to postoperative instructions suggested by your surgeon is crucial to promote healing and reduce postoperative complications.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Patients who would benefit from Minimally Invasive Discectomy
Appropriate patient selection and surgical planning are important factors in optimizing long-term outcomes following microdiscectomy. The decision to proceed with surgery is individualized and based on clinical findings, imaging techniques results such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and response to prior treatment.
Procedure of Minimally Invasive Surgery Surgical Technique
“Minimally-invasive” means the surgical treatment is performed through a small skin incision that is less than 1 inch in length under general anesthesia, resulting in a minimal scar. Using fluoroscopic guidance, an 18 mm slightly larger tube is then inserted to the level of the disc herniation. The endoscopic microdiscectomy visualizes the herniation through a microscope; the Dallas minimally invasive microdiscectomy surgeon uses small instruments to remove the offending piece of herniated disc material. The majority (healthy portion) of the disc is left alone.
The incision site is then closed using dissolvable sutures and a shower-proof dressing is placed over the incision.
This outpatient surgical intervention typically lasts about an hour, but the duration may vary depending on the individual patient. Patients may be discharged the same day or next morning. Return to work or normal activity depends on the type of work or activity you plan to perform. Recovery typically takes 3 to 6 weeks after surgery.
Risks associated with Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy
The risk of a complication after having this minimally invasive spine surgery in Dallas is generally low. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some things to be aware of before deciding to proceed with this outpatient procedure.
The risks of microdiscectomy minimally invasive spine surgery include:
Contact A Dallas Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy Surgeon
If you are experiencing persistent leg pain, numbness, or weakness related to a lumbar disc herniation, a consultation with a board-certified Dallas minimally invasive microdiscectomy surgeon can help determine whether minimally invasive microdiscectomy is an appropriate option for your spine condition.
Dr. Michael R. Wheeler, considered by patients to be one of the best spine surgeons in Dallas, will go over all risks with you during your office visit and answer any questions you may have about minimally invasive microdiscectomy surgery or other spine surgery treatments, such as spinal fusion, cervical disc replacement, or laminectomy. To schedule an appointment and learn more about your options, contact Dr. Michael R. Wheeler’s office today.
WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
Every procedure has a different recovery period. Visit our Recovery Hub to explore what to expect, including activity guidelines, healing timelines, physical therapy, and return-to-work expectations.
