Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy

What Is A Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy?

Lumbar refers to the five vertebrae of the lower back. Discs are the spongy, cartilaginous pads between each vertebra, and ectomy means “to take out.” In a lumbar discectomy, the surgeon accesses the lumbar spine through an incision in the back over the vertebral levels to be treated and removes all or part of the disc – and/or in some cases bone material – that’s pressing on the nerves and causing pain. Because it eliminates nerve/nerve root compression, a lumbar discectomy is considered a decompressive spinal procedure.

Depending on your condition and specific surgical goals, your surgeon may choose to perform this procedure using a minimally invasive approach.

Traditional, open spine surgery involves cutting or stripping the muscles from the spine. Minimally invasive spine surgery involves a small incision or incisions and muscle dilation, allowing the surgeon to separate the muscles surrounding the spine rather than cutting them.

Why Do I Need This Procedure?

• Leg pain that limits your normal daily activities
• Weakness or numbness in your leg(s) or feet
• Impaired bowel and/or bladder function

How Is A Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy Performed?

Decompression
After a small incision is made, the muscles of the spine are dilated, or gently separated, and a tubular retractor is inserted to create a portal through which the surgeon may perform surgery. Through the tubular retractor, a portion of the lamina (the bony vertebral element that covers the posterior portion of the spinal canal) is removed to expose the compressed area of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).

Pressure is relieved by removing of the source of compression – all or part of a herniated disc, a rough protrusion of bone called a bone spur, or in some instances a tumor.

Closure
The small incision is closed, which typically only leaves behind a minimal scar.

How Long Will It Take Me To Recover?

The amount of time that you have to stay in the hospital will depend on your treatment plan. In some instances, this procedure may be done on an outpatient basis. You typically will be up and walking in the hospital by the end of the first day after the surgery. Your return to work will depend on how well your body is healing and the type of work/activity level you plan to return to.

Work closely with your spinal surgeon to determine the appropriate recovery protocol for you, and follow his or her instructions as closely as possible to optimize the healing process.

To determine whether you are a candidate for a minimally invasive lumbar discectomy, please talk to your doctor.

Are There Any Potential Risks Or Complications?

Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse effects, clinical results and other important medical information that pertains to the minimally invasive lumbar discectomy procedure.

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