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Discectomy in Bhubaneswar

Discectomy

Discectomy in Bhubaneswar

A Diskectomy, commonly called a Discectomy, is a spine procedure in which one or more intervertebral discs are removed. Intervertebral discs are round, flat cushions that are positioned between your spine's vertebrae (bones) and serve as shock absorbers.

Every disc has an annulus, a flexible outer ring, encircling its soft, gel-like nucleus pulposus. The pressure on intervertebral discs is continuous. A disC may rupture, letting part of the gel material inside the nucleus escape. A herniated disc is the primary cause of cases requiring a Discectomy in Bhubaneswar. It is also referred to as a bulging, slipping, or ruptured disc.

Although they can also affect your neck (cervical spine), herniated discs most usually affect the lumbar spine in the lower back. A herniated disc in the thoracic spine, or middle back, is uncommon. Compared to cervical Diskectomies, lumbar Diskectomies are more frequent.

 

 

FAQ's

Discectomies can be of several varieties, depending on the location and surgical technique used:

Standard or Open Diskectomy (SD): To perform surgery on the disc, the physician makes a wide incision in your skin and separates your back muscles.

MIS Diskectomy: The doctor makes a tiny skin incision and tunnels through your muscles using a succession of progressively bigger tubes, known as dilators. The surgeon can view and work in a smaller area with the use of special tools, such as an endoscope. Micro-Endoscopic Diskectomy (MED) and Full Endoscopic Diskectomy (FE) are two variations of the same procedure. 

Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion (ACDF): Your neck (cervical spine) will be operated on during an Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion (ACDF). The surgeon will approach the injured disc through the anterior (front) side of your neck. After the disc is removed (Diskectomy), a Spinal Fusion is performed. In a fusion, the disc's original location is replaced with implants or bone grafts. Your neck gains strength and stability from this.

A Diskectomy is primarily performed for herniated discs. However, not all patients with a herniated disc require surgery. About 60% to 90% of patients with this illness respond effectively to nonsurgical treatments such as Physical Therapy, NSAIDs, and Epidural Steroid Injections.However, some patients experience no improvement in their herniated disc pain or other symptoms, thus requiring a Discectomy in the following circumstances: 

  • Having a herniated disc with severe or persistent arm or leg discomfort or numbness that makes it difficult to do daily duties

  • Severe weakness in your buttocks, lower leg, or arm muscles

  • Sciatica, a pain that radiates to your legs or buttocks

In addition, surgery is immediately required if you have cauda equina syndrome, which causes sudden weakness or numbness as well as problems with bladder and bowel control. 

A Diskectomy can indeed be a significant procedure. However, when comparing the number of days you spend in the hospital recovering from an Open Diskectomy, there are a few minimally invasive surgical techniques that are less serious. 

To ensure that your spine heals properly after any kind of Diskectomy, you must closely adhere to your recovery instructions because of the fragility of your spine and spinal cord.

Before the Diskectomy, you will have a meeting with your surgeon. Your surgeon should: 

  • Perform a physical examination.

  • Ask for imaging tests such as an MRI, myelogram, or X-ray.

  • Make a thorough medical history.

  • Ask about the drugs and vitamins you take.

  • Modify your drug regimen by adding or deleting particular prescriptions. Medication should not be stopped until your doctor advises.

  • Inform your medical professional if you use tobacco products. Tobacco products include nicotine, which can hinder your recovery.

You could be asked to stop using these products by your doctor at least four weeks before your procedure.

You will be given anaesthesia during a Diskectomy, either local or general, to make sure you are comfortable. Usually 1-2 inches for open surgery or less than 1 inch for minimally invasive procedures, the surgeon makes an incision. The surgeon removes the herniated disc with specialist instruments; occasionally, Spinal Fusion is done at the same moment. To promote healing, the incision is then sealed using medical skin glue, staples, or stitches.

Following a Diskectomy, you will be given painkillers as needed and have your vital signs watched until the anaesthesia wears off. Open surgery may require a hospital stay, whereas minimally invasive Diskectomy is typically an outpatient procedure that only requires someone to drive you home afterwards. Instructions for post-operative care, such as wound care, safe activities, and complications to watch out for, will be given by your surgeon. To improve muscle strength and mobility, reduce pain, and accelerate healing, physical therapy may be suggested.

Anaesthesia-related allergies are one of the uncommon risks or consequences associated with a diskectomy. The other risks include:

  • Haemorrhage or infection at the site of the incision

  • Thrombi

  • Injury to the nerves exiting your spinal cord

  • Leaked Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)

Other concerns consist of:

  • There is no improvement in your pain or symptom relief.

  • Recurrence of the herniated disc necessitates a revision Diskectomy procedure. In 5% to 15% of cases.

  • A spine that is unstable and may need more surgery.

The length of time it takes to recover from surgery can vary depending on its complexity and any complications that arise. The length of recovery is also influenced by variables like age, general level of fitness, and compliance with post-operative rehabilitation programs. Pre-surgery symptoms may take some time to go away while the body recovers, and it's normal to feel uncomfortable around the incision site for a few days. Throughout the healing process, follow-up consultations with your surgeon will assist in tracking advancement and resolving any issues.