Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy Surgery in Dallas, TX

What Is A Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy?

A lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves relieving the pressure placed on nerve roots and/or the spinal cord by a herniated disc or bone spurs in the lower back – a condition referred to as nerve root compression.

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?

A minimally invasive lumbar discectomy may be recommended to relieve pressure placed on the spinal cord or spinal nerves/nerve roots. In general, spine surgery is recommended when intervertebral disc or bone material is pressing into or pinching these neural elements and you are experiencing:

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?

The Operation‍

The operation is performed with the patient positioned on his or her stomach.

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.

Are There Any Potential Risks Or Complications?

All treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications such as infection, nerve damage, blood clots, blood loss and bowel and bladder problems, along with complications associated with anesthesia, are some of the potential risks of spinal surgery. A potential risk inherent to spinal fusion is failure of the vertebral bone and graft to properly fuse, a condition that may require additional surgery.

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.

The materials on this Web site are for your general educational information only. Information you read on this Web site cannot replace the relationship that you have with your health care professional. We do not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice as a part of this Web site. You should always talk to your health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.

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Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy

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What Is A Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy?

Why Do I Need This Procedure?

How Is A Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy Performed?

The Operation‍

Decompression‍

Closure‍

Are There Any Potential Risks Or Complications?

What Our Clients Have to Say

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