Our Summary
This research paper is a review of several studies looking at a type of spine surgery called unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) discectomy. This technique is becoming more popular because it tends to have good results. The researchers wanted to look at how well the surgery works, how long it takes, how much blood is lost, how long patients stay in hospital and what complications can occur.
They looked at seven studies that included a total of 230 patients who had this surgery because of a herniated (or slipped) disc in their lower back. The average surgery time was just over an hour, and patients typically stayed in the hospital for about four and a half days. The complication rate was low, at just over 6%.
The researchers found that people who had UBE discectomy tended to spend less time in hospital than those who had a different kind of surgery (microdiscectomy). They also found there was no significant difference in disability or pain scores between the two types of surgery, and that recovery rates were good.
However, the number of studies and patients included in this review was small, which could have skewed the results. The researchers conclude that UBE discectomy is a good option for treating a herniated disc in the lower back, but doctors need to fully understand the procedure and take the time to learn how to do it properly to avoid complications.
FAQs
- What is unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) discectomy?
- How does the recovery time and complication rate of UBE discectomy compare to other types of spine surgery?
- What are the potential drawbacks or limitations of the studies reviewed about UBE discectomy?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about discectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for a certain period of time, attending physical therapy sessions as recommended, and taking prescribed medications as directed. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for discectomy are those who have a herniated or slipped disc in their lower back that is causing symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking. These symptoms are often caused by pressure on the spinal nerves from the herniated disc, and surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections have not provided relief.
Discectomy may be recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments, have severe or disabling symptoms, or have evidence of nerve compression on imaging studies such as MRI. Patients who have tried other treatments for at least six weeks without improvement may also be candidates for surgery.
Overall, discectomy is considered a safe and effective treatment for herniated discs in the lower back, with good outcomes and low complication rates. However, as with any surgery, it is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider and make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances.
Timeline
Before a patient undergoes a discectomy, they typically experience symptoms of a herniated disc, such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. They may undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections to manage their symptoms. If these treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended.
After a discectomy, the patient may experience immediate relief from their symptoms, but they will also need to go through a recovery period. This may involve physical therapy, pain management, and restrictions on activities to allow the spine to heal properly. The patient will gradually work on building strength and flexibility in the back and legs and may need to modify their daily activities to prevent re-injury.
Overall, the goal of a discectomy is to alleviate pain and improve function in the affected area of the spine. With proper care and rehabilitation, most patients can expect to see improvements in their symptoms and quality of life after the surgery.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with discectomy surgery?
- How long is the recovery period after discectomy surgery?
- Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
- How long does the surgery typically take?
- Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery? If so, for how long?
- What are the long-term outcomes of discectomy surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of discectomy?
- What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery?
- How experienced are you in performing discectomy surgeries, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
Reference
Authors: Kwon O, Yoo SJ, Park JY. Journal: World Neurosurg. 2022 Dec;168:349-358. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.06.153. PMID: 36527214