Any surgery, no matter how big or small, can be scary. How “major” a surgery is considered depends on the procedure, the technique used and what area of the body is operated on.
Microdiscectomy is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery. It is considered a major surgery since it involves operating on the spine – a highly sensitive and complex area of the body. While it is a delicate procedure, it is also safe and effective, with shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries.
What is microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery to repair a herniated disk. A herniated disk (also known as bulged, slipped or ruptured disc) occurs when a portion of the jelly-like cushion between your vertebrae pushes into the spinal canal, putting pressure on nerves.
Herniated discs can cause symptoms such as:
- Pain that radiates down an arm or leg
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling in an arm or leg
This surgery is often only recommended after more conservative treatments for a herniated disk, like physical therapy or cortisone shots, have failed to relieve symptoms.
Microdiscectomy often involves a small incision, about 1-2 inches long. Using surgical glasses to magnify the area, the surgeon is able to remove the part of the disk that is compressing the spinal nerve and causing pain.
What does recovery from a microdiscectomy look like?
Since the incision used in a microdiscectomy is small, your body is able to recover faster, and you can get back to normal activities sooner. Here’s what you can expect during microdiscectomy recovery:
- A short hospital stay: Some patients can go home the same day as their procedure.
- A small incision: Compared to open back surgery, a microdiscectomy is minimally invasive, using much smaller incisions and leaving less substantial scars.
- Return to normal activities in a few weeks: Many patients can resume light activities and driving in two weeks and return to normal, full activities within six weeks. Your surgeon and care team will guide you on when to return to your normal schedule.
As you recover from your microdiscectomy, your physician may also recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility in your back. Following the proper restrictions on bending, twisting and lifting is essential for optimizing your recovery.
Why microdiscectomy is still considered a “major” surgery
Even though it is minimally invasive and safe, a microdiscectomy is still considered a major surgery since it involves operating on the spine – a highly complex and delicate area. It is important to be informed of the risks and to choose a surgical team you feel confident in.
A team you can trust
With any type of surgery, but especially with spine surgery, you want a surgeon and team that you can trust. At Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG), our expert neurosurgeons treat the full spectrum of neurologic diagnoses, including spine conditions. NGPG surgeons also offer even more minimally invasive techniques to treat herniated discs, including ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery. To schedule an appointment, visit ngpg.org/spine.