Microdiscectomy, also called as microdecompression is a process in which
a small bone portion is removed from over or under nerve root. This provides
more space and comfort for the surrounding nerves. his surgery is very
effective for radiculopathy which is nothing but severe leg pain.
It is also done for patients who found no pain relief after conservative
treatment methods. In this surgical procedure, the surgeon uses a microscope
in order to check the inner nerves and disc.
From the microscope, a larger view is developed and it helps the surgeon
to make a smaller cut for the surgical procedures to be carried out. This
method is very helpful in preventing damages caused to the surrounding
tissues.
Need for Back Surgery Microdiscectomy
If the patient is suffering from serious leg pain and if there is no relief
from pain after the practice of non surgical treatment methods, then Back
Surgery Microdisectomy is advised by the doctor. This severe leg pain
is due to herniation of disc and the surgery helps to minimize the pain
by controlling the pressure caused on the nerve root. This surgery is
also done for some neurological deficits and also in the case of bowel
incontinence.
Back Surgery
Microdiscectomy Procedure
Initially a small incision of about 1 to 1 ½ inches is made through
the midline of low back. Then the back muscles are lifted aside of the
spine. Thus the surgeon is able to reach the spine by moving the membrane
which is covering the nerve root and the surgeon uses an operating microscope
or glasses to check the nerve root.
A small part of inside joint is taken off to get relief from pain due
to pressure on nerves. Then the nerve root is made to move very gently
aside and pain causing disc material is removed from the areas of nerve
root. During the surgery, the muscles, joints, ligaments etc are left
intact and so there are no mechanical structure changes in the patient’s
spine.
Complications
after Back Surgery Microdiscectomy
Major complications
that might occur in patients after undergoing Back Surgery Microdiscectomy
are listed below:
• Dural tear that is fluid leak is found in few patients and they
are made to lay recumbent for minimum two days.
• Another common complication found is the damage of nerve root.
• Bowel incontinence is the other problem commonly found in patients.
• Infections and bleeding is found and these conditions should be
seriously discussed with doctor.
