Discectomy Vs Microdisectomy- Which One Is Best For You?

Anyone who has ever had a damaged spinal disc understands how excruciatingly painful it can be. Every action seemed to aggravate the condition. Pain is a warning sign that you should not ignore. It can be handled if you see a doctor right away and get the treatment you need. Moreover, degenerated or herniated discs can put pressure on nerves.

What is discectomy?

The herniated disc i.e pressing over the nerve root is removed during lumbar(lower back region) discectomy surgery. It is done through a tiny incision in the lower back's midline. This is considered as traditional open surgery of the spine for removing a herniated disc.

What is microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that involves looking at the disc and nerves with a special microscope. The surgeon can perform the surgery with a minimal cut because of the larger view i.e projected on the monitor. As a result, there is minimal harm to the surrounding tissue.

Why do you need to undergo such a procedure?

If the pain or other symptoms is not getting reduced after taking OTC(over-the-counter) pain medications or other alternative therapy, then your surgeon may consider surgery as an option.

• Surgery is performed to relieve pain and restore normal movement and function.
• If You experience severe limb discomfort, numbness, or weakness that prevents you from performing daily tasks.
• A physical examination reveals that you have weakness, lack of mobility, or an odd sensation that will likely improve after surgery.
• If you have cauda equina syndrome, surgery is considered an emergency.

The symptoms you should look for in such condition-

• New bowel or bladder control loss.
• Weakness in legs.
• Numbness or tingling in the buttocks, genital area, or legs that hasn't happened before (usually in both legs).

How does the discectomy perform?

• back muscles (Erector Spinae) can be lifted off from the bony arch of each vertebra.
• Back muscles run vertically, thus instead of being cut, they can be easily shifted out of the way.
• By removing the membrane(Ligamentum flavum) covering the nerve root, your surgeon will be able to penetrate the spine.

• To gain access to the nerve root, a tiny part of the inner facet side is removed. This way the pressure on the nerve root will be relieved as well.
• The nerve root is shifted to the side gently. The herniated disc material, which is trapped beneath the nerve root, is carefully removed.
• The remaining healthy portion is left alone.
• The pressure on the nerve root has been relieved, and it now has adequate space to heal.

Your spine surgeon will perform the surgery under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, based on your overall health condition and the severity of spinal issues.

Discectomy or microdiscectomy- which one is best for you?

Both open discectomy and microdiscectomy are effective treatments for sciatica or disc herniation at the lower back region(lumbar region).

The type of surgery chosen is mostly determined by the surgeon's experience and the patient's underlying condition. While the end result is the same, in the last decade, microdiscectomy has mostly replaced open discectomies.

Before receiving treatment for sciatica or disc herniation, talk to your surgeon about both surgical options.

What can you expect after discectomy or microdiscectomy surgery?

• After the procedure, your surgeon will keep you under monitoring. They will keep track of your blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and overall health in a chart.
• Once you are awake in the hospital bed, your surgeon will advise you to begin mild movements.
• After you've been released from the hospital, our team will accompany you home.
• You must adhere to the home care guidelines and take all prescribed medications on schedule.
• During your follow-up appointments, our team will assist you.

What are the instructions you need to follow after discectomy surgery?

• Rigorous activities, such as heavy housework can not be done. Hence keep a house help, if you don’t have any.
• Driving is not recommended for the first 2-3 days, as well as while taking pain medicines or muscle relaxants. If your pain is under control, you can drive.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages is not a good idea. It thins the blood and increases the risk of bleeding. Don't mix alcohol with pain medicines, either.
• It's not a good idea to bend or twist your back during your recovery period.

Why should you consider getting spine surgery in India?

As per the spine surgery doctor in India, for the following reasons, India is the most popular destination for orthopedic surgery treatment.

• India's cutting-edge technology,
• medical expertise,
• Affordable treatment cost
• Success rate
• Post-surgical follow-ups
• post-surgery rehabilitation(if necessary)

Our patients need high-quality and cost-effective health care that we can provide effectively in comparison to other countries around the globe.

How can we help you out with spine surgery in India?

If you are in search of spine surgery hospitals in India, we will guide you throughout your treatment journey and will be present physically with you even before your treatment is started. We will provide you with the following:

• Expert physicians and surgeon’s opinions
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance in hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangement for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

We are committed to providing the best health care services to our patients. We have a team of trained and highly dedicated health experts who will be there by your side right from the beginning of your medical tour for discectomy or microdiscectomy surgery.