Our Summary

This research paper is a comprehensive analysis of many studies (87 to be exact) that looked at the pain and disability levels of adults after they underwent a specific type of back surgery called lumbar discectomy. This surgery is often performed when patients suffer from sciatica or radiculopathy - conditions that cause severe leg and back pain. The researchers only included studies that involved patients who had the surgery for the first time and had no complications, and they only considered studies published in English.

They found that most patients experienced significant improvements in their leg pain and disability levels right after surgery. Back pain was also reduced. These improvements were not temporary - they lasted for up to 7 years after the surgery.

Further analysis showed that the levels of back pain and disability before the surgery could predict how much improvement a patient would experience post-surgery.

In simple terms, the research suggests that lumbar discectomy is generally quite effective in reducing pain and disability in patients suffering from conditions like sciatica or radiculopathy, and the benefits can last for several years.

FAQs

  1. What is lumbar discectomy surgery and what conditions does it treat?
  2. How long do the benefits of lumbar discectomy surgery last according to the research?
  3. Can the levels of pain and disability before the lumbar discectomy surgery predict the post-surgery improvement?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about discectomy is to follow a rehabilitation program after surgery to strengthen the muscles in the back and abdomen, which can help prevent future injury and improve overall function. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight, practice good posture, and avoid activities that may put excessive strain on the back to promote long-term success and recovery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for discectomy are those suffering from severe leg and back pain caused by conditions such as sciatica or radiculopathy. These patients may have tried non-surgical treatments without success and may have significant levels of pain and disability that impact their daily life. Patients who are considered for discectomy are usually those who have not had the surgery before and do not have any complications that would make the surgery risky. The research suggests that patients with higher levels of back pain and disability before the surgery may experience greater improvements in their symptoms post-surgery.

Timeline

Before discectomy:

  • Patient experiences severe leg and back pain, often diagnosed with conditions like sciatica or radiculopathy
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI to confirm the diagnosis
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and epidural injections to manage the pain
  • If symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities, surgery may be recommended

After discectomy:

  • Patient undergoes lumbar discectomy surgery to remove the herniated disc causing the pain
  • Immediately after surgery, patient experiences significant improvement in leg pain and disability levels
  • Back pain is also reduced post-surgery
  • Improvement in pain and disability levels can last for up to 7 years after surgery
  • The levels of back pain and disability before surgery can predict the amount of improvement a patient will experience post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about discectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lumbar discectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after the surgery, and what can I expect in terms of pain and mobility during that time?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery, and if so, how long will it last?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing surgery?
  5. How successful is lumbar discectomy in relieving pain and improving mobility in patients with conditions like sciatica or radiculopathy?
  6. How long will the benefits of the surgery last, and are there any long-term considerations to keep in mind?
  7. What can I do to prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  9. How experienced are you in performing lumbar discectomy procedures, and what is your success rate with this type of surgery?
  10. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Rushton A, Heneghan NR, Heymans MW, Staal JB, Goodwin P. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2020 Jul;29(7):1660-1670. doi: 10.1007/s00586-019-06272-y. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PMID: 31916000