Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that aimed to see if the time of surgery could predict the results, length of the hospital stay, and cost of a specific type of surgery called a microdiscectomy. The study looked at data from patients who had this surgery between 2008 and 2016. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had their surgery before 2 pm (the early group) and those who had their surgery after 2 pm (the late group).

The researchers compared various factors between these two groups, including how long they stayed in the hospital, how much their surgery cost, whether they had any complications during the surgery, whether they had to go to the emergency department after the surgery, and whether they had to go back to the hospital after being discharged.

The study found that there weren’t any significant differences between the two groups in terms of these factors. So, the results suggest that the time of surgery doesn’t really affect these aspects of the outcome for patients who have a microdiscectomy.

FAQs

  1. What was the main objective of the study on microdiscectomy?
  2. Did the study find any significant differences between patients who had their surgery before 2 pm and those who had it after?
  3. Does the time of microdiscectomy surgery affect the cost, length of hospital stay, or post-surgery complications according to the research?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include restrictions on lifting heavy objects, avoiding certain activities, and attending physical therapy sessions as recommended. Following these instructions can help promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Microdiscectomy is typically recommended for patients who have a herniated disc in the lumbar spine that is causing symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, and weakness. These symptoms are often due to pressure on the spinal nerves caused by the herniated disc. Patients who have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without success may be candidates for microdiscectomy.

Additionally, patients who have severe symptoms that are significantly impacting their quality of life, such as difficulty walking or performing daily activities, may also be recommended for microdiscectomy. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if microdiscectomy is the right choice for them.

Timeline

Before the microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences back pain, leg pain, and other symptoms related to a herniated disc
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis
  • Patient consults with a spine surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Patient decides to undergo microdiscectomy surgery

After the microdiscectomy:

  • Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery
  • Patient undergoes the microdiscectomy procedure, which typically takes 1-2 hours
  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored for any complications
  • Patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same day or the next day
  • Patient is given instructions for post-operative care, including restrictions on physical activity and instructions for wound care
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the days following surgery, which is managed with pain medication
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and physical therapy to aid in recovery
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a microdiscectomy and why is it recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a microdiscectomy?
  3. How long is the recovery process after a microdiscectomy and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should follow post-surgery?
  5. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  6. How much will the surgery cost and are there any potential additional expenses I should be aware of?
  7. What type of follow-up care or physical therapy will I need after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with a microdiscectomy?
  9. How experienced are you in performing microdiscectomy surgeries and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  10. Is there any specific information or instructions I should provide to my family or caregivers before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Maron SZ, Dan J, Gal JS, Neifert SN, Martini ML, Lamb CD, Genadry L, Rothrock RJ, Steinberger J, Rasouli JJ, Caridi JM. Journal: Clin Spine Surg. 2021 Mar 1;34(2):E107-E111. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001063. PMID: 33633067