Our Summary

This study looked at a specific type of back surgery called extraforaminal lumbar microdiscectomy. The researchers were interested in how well this surgery worked for people with a certain type of back problem called upper lumbar disc herniation. This is when the cushions (discs) between the bones in the upper part of your lower back (lumbar spine) slip out of place.

The researchers looked at 31 patients who had this surgery between 2018 and 2022. They measured how much pain the patients were in before and after the surgery, as well as how well they could move around. They found that the surgery significantly improved both pain and the ability to move in these patients. In fact, over 90% of the patients had a satisfactory improvement at the 2-year follow-up. None of the patients needed to have the surgery redone during the follow-up period.

Overall, the study suggests that extraforaminal lumbar microdiscectomy is a safe and effective surgery for people with upper lumbar disc herniation.

FAQs

  1. What is extraforaminal lumbar microdiscectomy and what type of back problem does it address?
  2. What were the results of the study on patients who underwent extraforaminal lumbar microdiscectomy between 2018 and 2022?
  3. Is extraforaminal lumbar microdiscectomy a safe and effective surgery for people with upper lumbar disc herniation according to this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care and physical therapy exercises to aid in recovery and prevent complications. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper body mechanics, to prevent future back problems. Additionally, be sure to follow up with your doctor for regular check-ups to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have a herniated disc in the lumbar spine that is causing severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without success. They may also have symptoms that are not improving or are getting worse over time. Additionally, patients who have significant nerve compression or loss of function due to the herniated disc may also be recommended for microdiscectomy.

Timeline

Before the microdiscectomy surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm disc herniation
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or epidural steroid injections
  • If conservative treatments are not effective, patient and surgeon decide to proceed with microdiscectomy surgery

After the microdiscectomy surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery to remove the herniated disc material pressing on the nerve
  • Patient may experience some post-operative pain and discomfort
  • Patient begins physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility in the back and legs
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and work duties
  • Patient experiences improvement in pain and mobility over time
  • Patient follows up with surgeon for post-operative visits to monitor progress and address any concerns
  • Patient achieves satisfactory improvement in symptoms at the 2-year follow-up, with over 90% of patients reporting positive outcomes

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy surgery for patients with my specific condition?
  3. What is the recovery process like after microdiscectomy surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my symptoms after the surgery?
  6. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  7. How long will I need to be off work or limit my activities after the surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after microdiscectomy surgery?
  9. How often do patients need to have the surgery redone in the future?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about microdiscectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Turkkan A, Bekar A, Yigitkanli K. Journal: World Neurosurg. 2024 Aug;188:e540-e545. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.05.149. Epub 2024 May 28. PMID: 38815923