Our Summary

This research paper talks about the use of ultrasound during a specific type of spinal surgery called lumbar microdiscectomy. This surgery is done to treat herniated discs in the lower back. The researchers used ultrasound during surgery on 48 patients to see if it could help them identify and locate different tissues and structures in the spinal canal, improve the way they approached the herniated disc, and assess how well they were able to relieve pressure on the nerves (decompression).

They found that using ultrasound during surgery was valuable for identifying different tissues and structures in the lower back. It provided a real-time, 3D view of various anatomical structures and their positions relative to each other, which was helpful for making the surgery less damaging and more thorough.

In conclusion, the researchers found that using ultrasound during this type of surgery is a simple, safe, affordable, and widely available method of seeing what’s going on inside the body during the operation. The information it provides can be just as good as, or even better than, other imaging methods like CT scans or MRIs. They also found that using ultrasound during lumbar microdiscectomy can improve the results of the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of using ultrasound during a lumbar microdiscectomy surgery?
  2. How does the use of ultrasound during lumbar microdiscectomy improve the results of the surgery?
  3. How does ultrasound compare to other imaging methods like CT scans or MRIs during lumbar microdiscectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might give a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for a certain period of time, taking prescribed medications, attending physical therapy sessions, and gradually increasing physical activity as directed by the surgeon. Following these instructions can help promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have a herniated disc in the lower back that is causing symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling. These symptoms are often due to the disc pressing on a nerve in the spinal canal. Patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections may be candidates for microdiscectomy. Additionally, patients who have significant weakness or loss of function due to the herniated disc may also be recommended for surgery. Overall, the goal of microdiscectomy is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and alleviate symptoms.

Timeline

Before the microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness
  • Patient undergoes imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan to diagnose a herniated disc
  • Patient consults with a spine surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions

During the microdiscectomy:

  • Patient is placed under general anesthesia
  • Surgeon makes a small incision in the lower back
  • Using ultrasound guidance, surgeon locates the herniated disc and removes the portion pressing on the nerve
  • Surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day

After the microdiscectomy:

  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the incision site
  • Patient is instructed on post-operative care, including restrictions on lifting and bending
  • Physical therapy may be recommended to help with recovery and prevent future disc herniation
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences relief from symptoms over the following weeks to months
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is a microdiscectomy and why do I need it?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How will using ultrasound during the surgery benefit me?
  4. How experienced are you in performing microdiscectomy surgeries?
  5. What is the success rate of this surgery in relieving my symptoms?
  6. What is the recovery process like after a microdiscectomy?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  10. What can I expect in terms of pain management during and after the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Aslanukov MN, Vasilyev SA, Levin RS, Fisenko EP. Journal: Khirurgiia (Mosk). 2020;(2):21-31. doi: 10.17116/hirurgia202002121. PMID: 32105252