Our Summary

This study is about two types of surgery used to treat people with a certain type of lower back and leg pain due to a herniated disc. The researchers wanted to compare the effectiveness and safety of these surgeries, one being a biportal endoscopic discectomy and the other a microscopic discectomy.

The study involved 64 people who needed this type of surgery. They were split into two groups, with one group getting the biportal surgery and the other getting the microscopic surgery. The researchers then checked on the patients’ progress over the next year, using various measures to see how well they were doing. These measures included things like pain levels, quality of life, disability, and whether they needed more surgery.

The results showed that the biportal surgery was just as good as the microscopic surgery. In fact, patients who had the biportal surgery had a slightly lower level of muscle damage and a little less pain shortly after the surgery. However, there was no major difference between the two groups in terms of other outcomes like the need for further surgery.

In conclusion, the findings suggest that the biportal surgery is a safe and effective option for treating this type of back and leg pain. However, the researchers note that doctors should consider the potential for post-surgery pain when deciding on the best treatment option.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries were compared in this study for treating herniated disc-related back and leg pain?
  2. What were the main findings of the study regarding the effectiveness and safety of biportal endoscopic discectomy compared to microscopic discectomy?
  3. How did the two types of surgeries compare in terms of post-surgery pain and the need for further surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about discectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including any recommended physical therapy exercises. This can help improve recovery and prevent future complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can also help prevent future back issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for discectomy are those who have lower back and leg pain caused by a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections. These patients may have symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty walking. Additionally, patients who have tried other non-surgical treatments for at least six weeks without improvement may also be candidates for discectomy. Ultimately, the decision to undergo discectomy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition.

Timeline

Before the discectomy:

  • Patient experiences lower back and leg pain due to a herniated disc
  • Patient undergoes medical evaluation and imaging tests to determine the severity of the disc herniation
  • Surgeon recommends surgery as a treatment option
  • Patient discusses surgical options with the surgeon and decides on either biportal endoscopic discectomy or microscopic discectomy

After the discectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the chosen surgery to remove the herniated disc material pressing on the nerves
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort immediately following the surgery
  • Patient is monitored in the hospital for a short period of time before being discharged
  • Patient is prescribed pain medication and given instructions for post-operative care
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor recovery progress
  • Patient participates in physical therapy to help improve strength and flexibility in the back
  • Over the course of the next year, patient’s pain levels, quality of life, disability, and need for further surgery are monitored to assess the effectiveness of the surgery

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing a discectomy involves pre-operative evaluation, surgery, post-operative recovery, and follow-up care to ensure optimal outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a discectomy and how does it help with lower back and leg pain?
  2. What are the differences between a biportal endoscopic discectomy and a microscopic discectomy?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a discectomy surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery process after a discectomy surgery?
  5. What are the success rates of a biportal endoscopic discectomy compared to a microscopic discectomy?
  6. Will I need physical therapy or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow after the surgery?
  8. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or options for my condition besides surgery?
  10. How soon can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Park SM, Lee HJ, Park HJ, Choi JY, Kwon O, Lee S, Kim HJ, Yeom JS. Journal: Spine J. 2023 Jan;23(1):18-26. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2022.09.003. Epub 2022 Sep 23. PMID: 36155241