A discectomy is a surgical procedure to completely or partially remove an intervertebral disc. Surgery is usually prescribed to treat a herniated disc, and most often the disc is completely removed.
What are the types of discectomy?
In world neurosurgical practice, the following types of discectomy are used:
- classic discectomy;
- microdiscectomy (using a special surgical microscope);
- endoscopic microdiscectomy (minimally invasive disc removal through several incisions up to 2 cm).
What are the indications for surgery?
Discectomy is prescribed for such diseases:
- intervertebral hernia, which compresses the nerve roots of the spinal cord;
- changes in the spinal disc with osteochondrosis;
- disc injury and injury
- narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis).
What are the contraindications for discectomy?
Contraindications for discectomy:
- blood clotting disorders;
- oncological diseases;
- inflammation and infection;
- diabetes;
- pregnancy;
- disorders of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
What examination should be done before the intervention?
Before discectomy, the patient undergoes an examination, which includes:
- blood chemistry;
- coagulogram;
- electrocardiography;
- x-ray of the lungs;
- radiography;
- computed (CT) or magnetic resonance (MRI) tomography.
How long does a discectomy take?
The duration of the operation is from 30 minutes to 2 hours , depending on the surgical approach chosen by the doctor (open, endoscopic.) After 6 hours, the patient can already get up and walk.
Hospitalization does not exceed 3 days .
How is an intervertebral disc removed?
Discectomy is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the localization of the intervertebral hernia, the operation is performed in the areas of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar regions.
The discectomy is performed by a neurosurgeon. With an open intervention, he performs an incision up to 10 cm , through which he removes the damaged intervertebral disc.
If necessary, the doctor fixes the vertebrae with a special frame or replaces the intervertebral disc with an artificial one.
The operation lasts up to 2 hours .
For the first 2 months after the intervention, doctors recommend wearing a supporting corset.
microdiscectomy
The incision for microdiscectomy is only 3 cm , and the total duration of the operation does not exceed 1.5 hours .
Endoscopic microdiscectomy
When performing an endoscopic microdiscectomy, doctors use local anesthesia . The incision does not exceed 2 cm . The duration of the operation is less than half an hour .
What complications can occur after the removal of the spinal disc?
After any type of discectomy, there is a possibility of developing some complications:
- sensory disturbance in the extremities;
- development of a hernia in adjacent intervertebral discs;
- deep vein thrombosis of the legs;
- inflammatory process in the spinal cord and its membrane.
To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to choose a qualified neurosurgeon and a clinic that has the necessary equipment. On our website you can find medical centers around the world that offer the best treatment.
How can Bookimed help you get the best treatment?
To get advice on choosing the best clinic in your particular case and the exact cost of the operation, leave a request and a Bookimed coordinating doctor will contact you. He will answer all questions about the removal of the spinal disc, explain what medical statements you need to prepare for this. After the doctors at your chosen clinic have reviewed these documents, they will draw up an individual diagnostic and treatment program with an accurate cost.
If the received treatment program suits you, the Bookimed coordinating doctor agrees the dates of the trip with you and writes you to the selected clinic. Our care department will help you choose the best accommodation option and tickets for the patient and his accompanying person.
