HERNIATED DISC
WHAT ARE THE SURGICAL METHODS IN THE TREATMENT OF DISC HERNIATION?
Herniated disc; It is the phenomenon where the gel-like substance inside puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots as a result of the weakening or rupture of the outer layer of the discs that act as a cushion between the spinal bones. Surgical intervention in the treatment of a herniated disc is usually considered when other conservative methods have failed or there are serious complications such as severe pain and nerve compression. This constitutes a very small percentage of cases. The methods used for surgical treatment of herniated disc are basically listed as follows:
- Open Discectomy : It is a surgical method whose rate of performance is decreasing with technological developments. During discectomy, part of the herniated disc is removed. Space is made available to the nerve roots under pressure and the pain is relieved. In this surgery, a part of the bone at the back of the spine is usually removed and the muscles are stripped. Depending on the patient's weight and the distance from which the surgery is performed, an incision of 4-6 cm can be made. It is a traditional method that has been used since ancient times.
- Microdiscectomy : It is the most commonly used method in herniated disc surgery. Depending on the patient's weight and the level at which surgery will be performed, an incision of 2-5 cm in size is made on the waist. The patient's muscles can be stripped and some of the bone from his waist can be removed. With some techniques, some hernia surgeries can be performed without removing bone under a microscope.
- Endoscopic Discectomy: It is the most advanced and up-to-date technique used in herniated disc surgery. An incision of only 7 mm is made on the patients' waist. There is no need to cut muscles. The surgery is performed by entering through the muscles and often without removing bone. The training period for surgeons is longer than in other techniques.
Surgical treatment option; It is a situation that will be decided according to the patient's neurological status, symptoms and level of pain.
CAN I STAND UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER HERNIATED DISC SURGERY?
After herniated disc surgery, patients can stand up immediately after the anesthesia wears off. However, this may vary depending on the type of surgery, the success of the surgery, your surgeon and your personal recovery rate. The recovery process is much faster when herniated disc surgeries are performed using endoscopic methods. The healing process may be 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 ensure the fastest and healthiest recovery.
WHEN WILL I BE DISCHARGED AFTER HERNIATED DISC SURGERY?
The time it takes for the patient to be discharged after herniated disc surgery depends on several factors;
- Type of Surgery: Lumbar disc herniation surgeries can be performed with different techniques. Patients operated on with endoscopic surgical techniques can often be discharged on the same day.
- General Health Condition of the Patient: The general health condition of the patient may affect the discharge time. If the patient has other health problems or post-operative complications, the discharge time may be extended.
- Post-Operative Recovery: Especially patients with loss of strength before surgery may need to participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs after herniated disc surgery. These programs help speed up the patient's post-operative recovery process.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Every patient is different, so discharge time is often determined by the patient's individual needs and post-operative recovery rate. The treatment plan is determined by your doctor.
Postoperative discharge time may vary depending on the patient's specific condition.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF COMPLETELY CLOSED LUMBAR HERNIATED SURGERY?
Completely closed herniated disc surgery (endoscopic discectomy) is the most current surgical method used in the treatment of herniated discs. Some advantages of this surgical technique can be listed as follows:
- Less tissue damage: Fully closed herniated disc surgery causes less tissue damage than open surgery. This ensures less damage to the muscles and soft tissues so the healing process can be faster.
- Less pain: Due to less tissue damage, patients may experience less pain in the postoperative period. This helps patients have a more comfortable recovery. After the surgery, there is usually no need to use daily painkillers.
- Short hospital stay: Most patients are discharged the same day they have surgery.
- Fast recovery: Less tissue damage and less pain can allow patients to return to normal activities more quickly. The healing process is shorter.
- Less risk of infection: Fully closed surgeries carry less risk of infection than open surgery. This also reduces the likelihood of patients experiencing post-operative complications.
- Less bleeding: There is less possibility of bleeding during fully closed herniated disc surgery,
- Less scar tissue: Smaller incisions and less tissue damage reduce the likelihood of scar tissue forming after surgery, so aesthetic results are better.
- Long-term results: The long-term results of fully closed herniated disc surgery are similar to other surgical methods, but patients have less post-operative back pain.
However, each surgical technique carries certain risks and each patient is different. You should consult with your doctor to evaluate which surgical technique is best for you.
IS THERE DIFFICULTY IN SWALLOWING AFTER CERVICAL DISC HERNIATION SURGERY?
Whether or not you have difficulty swallowing after cervical disc surgery depends on a number of factors. Where the surgery was performed; Some hernias are performed by entering the back of the neck, in which case the difficulty in swallowing caused by surgeries performed from the front of the neck is not observed. Difficulty in swallowing increases as the duration of the surgery increases. Surgical technique and surgical instruments used; In cases where the procedure is entered from the front of the neck, the surgery is performed by moving the esophagus aside. This is the most important cause of difficulty swallowing. Intermittent relaxation of the esophagus, retractors used, and the short duration of the surgery reduce the likelihood of difficulty swallowing.
General Health Status: Some health problems such as diabetes and obesity may increase the risk of swallowing difficulties. In overweight patients, the longer the retraction to view the surgical field will be, the more likely it is that swallowing difficulties will occur. Generally, difficulty in swallowing decreases day by day after surgery and returns to normal within 5-7 days.
WHEN CAN I WALK AFTER CERVICAL DISC DISC SURGERY?
When you can walk after cervical disc herniation surgery may vary depending on the type of surgery, your post-operative recovery speed, your personal health condition and your doctor's recommendations.
- Type of surgery: Cervical disc hernia surgeries can be performed with different techniques. After the anesthesia wears off, patients are usually walked 4-6 hours after surgery wearing a neck brace.
- First movements: Since dizziness may occur during the first walk, it should be done slowly and under the supervision of a doctor or nurse. While the first walk is carried out inside the room, from the second walk you can go out to the corridor. After a while, you can easily walk without a companion.
- Healing speed: Each individual's healing speed is different. Some people return to normal life quickly after surgery, while others may need a longer period of time.
- Physical therapy: Patients who decide to have surgery, especially after loss of strength, may need post-operative physical therapy programs. Physiotheraphy; It helps strengthen neck and arm muscles and restore mobility.
The post-operative recovery process is different for each patient, so it is most important to follow your doctor's advice and guidance.
WHEN WILL I BE DISCHARGED AFTER CERVICAL DISC DISC SURGERY?
After cervical disc herniation surgery, patients are usually discharged one day later. However, this process may take longer depending on the type of surgery and the patient's condition. This period may vary depending on the patient's general health condition, the presence of post-operative complications, the type of surgery (such as open surgery or endoscopic surgery) and personal recovery rate. During the postoperative period, it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations and guidance.