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LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION
WHAT ARE THE SURGICAL METHODS FOR LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION TREATMENT?
Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the outer layer of discs between the spinal bones weakens or tears, causing the gel-like substance inside to press on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Surgical intervention for lumbar herniation is generally considered when other conservative methods have failed or there are serious complications such as severe pain and nerve compression, which represent a very small percentage of cases. Surgical methods used for lumbar herniation treatment are primarily listed as follows:
Open Discectomy: This is a surgical method that is decreasing in usage with technological advancements. During discectomy, a portion of the herniated disc is removed. This creates space for the compressed nerve roots and alleviates pain. In this surgery, usually a part of the bone at the back of the spine is removed, and muscles are dissected. Depending on the patient's weight and the distance of the surgery, an incision of 4-6 cm may be made. It is a traditional method used since ancient times.
Microdiscectomy: This is the most commonly used method in lumbar herniation surgery. Depending on the patient's weight and the level of surgery to be performed, an incision of 2-5 cm is made in the lower back. A small amount of bone may be taken from the spine by dissecting the patient's muscles. In some techniques, part of the herniated disc surgeries can be performed under the microscope without taking bone.
Endoscopic Discectomy: This is the most advanced and current technique used in lumbar herniation surgery. A small incision of only 7 mm is made in the lower back of patients. There is no need to cut muscles. Surgery is mostly performed without taking bone through the muscles. The training period for surgeons is longer compared to other techniques.
The choice of surgical treatment depends on the patient's neurological condition, symptoms, and the level of pain.
WİLL I BE ABLE TO GET UP IMMEDİATELY AFTER LUMBAR HERNİATİON SURGERY?
After the effects of anesthesia wear off following lumbar herniation surgery, patients can stand up immediately. However, this depends on the type of surgery, the success of the surgery, your surgeon, and your personal recovery rate. The recovery process is much faster when endoscopic methods are used for lumbar herniation surgeries. Recovery may take longer with other methods. Remember that each patient's recovery process is different, so it is important to follow your surgeon's recommendations and instructions to achieve the fastest and healthiest recovery.
WILL I BE ABLE TO GET UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER LUMBAR HERNIATION SURGERY?
After lumbar herniation surgery, the patient's discharge time depends on several factors:
Type of Surgery: Lumbar herniation surgeries can be performed with different techniques. Patients who undergo endoscopic surgical techniques are often discharged on the same day.
General Health Status of the Patient: The general health status of the patient can affect the discharge time. If the patient has other health problems or develops complications after surgery, the discharge time may be longer.
Postoperative Recovery: Especially patients with muscle weakness before surgery may need to participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs after lumbar herniation surgery. These programs help speed up the patient's recovery process after surgery.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Every patient is different, so the discharge time is generally determined based on the individual needs of the patient and the speed of recovery after surgery. The treatment plan is determined by your doctor.
The postoperative discharge period may vary depending on the patient's specific condition.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FULL-ENDOSCOPIC LUMBAR HERNIATION SURGERY?
Full-endoscopic lumbar herniation surgery (endoscopic discectomy) is the most advanced surgical technique used in the treatment of lumbar herniation. Some advantages of this surgical technique can be listed as follows:
Less tissue damage: Full-endoscopic lumbar herniation surgery causes less tissue damage compared to open surgery. This results in less damage to muscles and soft tissues, which can speed up the recovery process.
Less pain: Due to less tissue damage, patients may experience less pain during the postoperative period. This helps patients have a more comfortable recovery process. Daily use of painkillers is mostly not required after surgery.
Short hospital stay: Most patients are discharged on the same day they undergo surgery.
Quick recovery: Less tissue damage and less pain may allow patients to return to normal activities more quickly. The recovery period is shorter.
Less risk of infection: Full-endoscopic surgeries have a lower risk of infection compared to open surgery. This also reduces the likelihood of patients experiencing postoperative complications.
Less bleeding: There is a lower possibility of bleeding during full-endoscopic lumbar herniation surgery.
Less scar tissue: Smaller incisions and less tissue damage reduce the likelihood of scar tissue formation after surgery, resulting in better aesthetic outcomes.
Long-term results: The long-term results of full-endoscopic lumbar herniation surgery are similar to other surgical methods, but patients may experience less back pain after surgery.
However, each surgical technique carries certain risks, and every patient is different. You should discuss with your doctor to evaluate which surgical technique is most suitable for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A herniated disc (lumbar disc herniation) occurs when the structure of the discs between the vertebrae in the lower back (lumbar region) becomes damaged, causing the disc material to protrude into the spinal canal or nerve canal. This condition can put pressure on the spinal nerves and cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
To diagnose a herniated disc, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to make the diagnosis.
Treatment for a herniated disc varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual's condition. Generally, the following methods are used:
- Rest and Exercise: Rest for a certain period and perform physical therapy or back-strengthening exercises.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Injections: Steroid injections or epidural injections may help relieve pain.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgery may be necessary if other treatments are ineffective or if the condition is severe. The treatment process should be managed by a specialist.
To reduce the risk of a herniated disc, you can take the following steps:
- Maintain proper posture.
- Lift heavy loads using correct techniques.
- Stay physically active and strengthen your back.
- Prevent or lose weight to avoid obesity.
- Have regular check-ups.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about a herniated disc, as accurate diagnosis and treatment are important.
Treatment for a herniated disc can vary depending on the severity of the herniation, symptoms, and the patient's condition. Generally, the following treatments are used:
- Rest: If the herniated disc causes severe pain, short-term bed rest may be recommended.
- Exercise and Physical Therapy: Exercises are important for strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: In certain cases, doctors may recommend epidural steroid injections to help relieve pain.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgery may be necessary if the herniated disc is severe or other treatments are ineffective. Surgery involves removing the herniated disc and relieving pressure on the spinal nerves.
Lumbar disc herniation surgery is generally a safe procedure, but, like all surgical interventions, it carries medical risks. These risks may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, anesthesia complications, and post-surgical pain. The decision to proceed with surgery is evaluated by a specialist based on the patient's overall health, the severity of symptoms, and other factors.
To alleviate symptoms and support recovery from a herniated disc, you can try the following:
- Perform the exercises recommended by your doctor regularly.
- Maintain good posture and lift heavy loads properly.
- Use medications according to your doctor's advice.
- Avoid or limit certain movements, especially sudden twisting or bending actions.
- Use hot or cold compresses to relieve pain.
The recovery time for a herniated disc depends on the severity of your symptoms, treatment methods, and personal factors. Some individuals may recover within a few weeks, while others may take longer. Your doctor will monitor your recovery process and provide an estimate of how long it will take.