What is lumbar discectomy?

Lumbar Discectomy

What is a lumbar microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy is surgery to remove part or all of a bulging or damaged (herniated) disc in the spine. A herniated disc in the low back (from the first lumbar vertebra to the sacrum) is called a lumbar herniated disc. It if irritates or presses on the spinal nerves, it can cause pain and numbness in the buttock and leg.

Most people can get better on their own. But for some people, surgery may help the pain and numbness. It may also improve movement.

Why is a lumbar discectomy done?

Surgery is done to decrease pain and allow you to regain normal movement and function.

You and your doctor may consider surgery if:

  • You have very bad leg pain, numbness, or weakness that keeps you from being able to do your daily activities.
  • Your leg symptoms do not get better after at least 6 weeks of nonsurgical treatment.
  • Results of a physical exam show that you have weakness, loss of motion, or abnormal feeling that is likely to get better after surgery.

Surgery is an emergency if you have cauda equina syndrome. Signs include:

  • New loss of bowel or bladder control.
  • New weakness in the legs (usually both legs).
  • New numbness or tingling in the buttocks, genital area, or legs (usually both legs).

How is a lumbar microdiscectomy done?

You may be asleep or have medicine to relax you. And the area will be numbed if you're awake. It's often numbed even if you are asleep. You will not feel pain during the surgery.

The doctor will make a 1- to 2-inch cut (incision) in the skin over the spine. The doctor will put surgical tools through the incision and will use a special microscope (scope) to view the area.

The doctor may first remove a small amount of bone and other tissue from the spine. This helps the doctor see the area around the disc. Then the doctor removes the bulging disc material. Next, the doctor closes the incision with stitches.

After microdiscectomy in the low back: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
  • You can't move an arm or a leg at all.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
  • You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
  • Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
  • You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called deep vein thrombosis), such as:
    • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
    • Redness or swelling in your leg.
  • You have symptoms of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the incision.
    • Pus draining from the incision.
    • A fever.
  • You have new or worse symptoms in your arms, legs, chest, belly, or buttocks. Symptoms may include:
    • Numbness or tingling.
    • Weakness.
    • Pain.
  • You lose bladder or bowel control.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

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