Our Summary
This research paper is about the best way to treat a slipped disc in the lower back (lumbar disc herniation) in pregnant women. The treatment plan and the way anesthesia is used can affect the mother and baby, so it’s important to choose the right approach. Things like exposure to radiation from scans and the way the mother’s body is working can change the available options.
The stage of pregnancy is also important when deciding on treatment. If possible, surgery should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy, especially while the baby’s organs are developing, because some types of anesthesia could interfere with this process. However, if the mother has severe symptoms, such as loss of feeling or movement, urgent surgery may be needed.
In these cases, the choice of anesthesia must consider the mother’s health and the type of surgery. It’s very important to keep the mother safe and avoid low oxygen levels in the baby, which could lead to premature labor. So, local anesthesia (numbing only a small area) is often the best choice because it has less risk of harmful effects on the whole body.
The paper suggests that surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves in the lower back (decompression surgery) can be safe and effective for both mother and baby if a team of experts, including a surgeon, obstetrician, and anesthesiologist, work together.
The paper includes a case study of a pregnant woman who had successful surgery for a slipped disc using local anesthesia. She was awake throughout the procedure and her symptoms improved immediately afterwards.
FAQs
- Is it safe to perform surgery on a pregnant woman with a slipped disc?
- Does the type of anesthesia used in surgery for slipped disc affect the mother and the baby?
- Why is the stage of pregnancy important when deciding on treatment for a slipped disc?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including restrictions on lifting, bending, and twisting to ensure proper healing and prevent re-injury. It’s important to gradually increase activity levels as advised by the doctor to avoid complications. Additionally, attending physical therapy sessions as recommended can help improve strength and flexibility in the back, reducing the risk of future back problems.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended microdiscectomy include those who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. They may have severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs that is not improving with non-surgical options. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of a lumbar disc herniation that is causing nerve compression and symptoms may also be good candidates for microdiscectomy. Additionally, patients who have tried non-surgical treatments for a period of time and still have persistent and severe symptoms that affect their daily activities and quality of life may be recommended for surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms, medical history, and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if microdiscectomy is the best course of action for their specific situation.
Timeline
Before the microdiscectomy, the patient likely experiences symptoms of a slipped disc in the lower back, such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. They may have tried conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or steroid injections without success. The patient consults with a spine surgeon who recommends microdiscectomy as a surgical option.
During the surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on their health and the surgical approach. The surgeon makes a small incision in the back and removes the part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve, relieving the symptoms. The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours.
After the microdiscectomy, the patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the incision site, which can be managed with pain medication. They are usually able to go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. The patient is advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks to allow the spine to heal properly.
In the weeks and months following the surgery, the patient should gradually increase their activity level and may benefit from physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the back and core. Most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and are able to return to their normal activities within a few months.
Overall, microdiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for a slipped disc in the lower back, with a high success rate in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about microdiscectomy:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy during pregnancy?
- How will anesthesia be administered during the surgery and what are the potential effects on the baby?
- What is the success rate of microdiscectomy in pregnant women with a slipped disc?
- How will the surgery affect my pregnancy and the development of the baby?
- What are the alternative treatment options for a slipped disc during pregnancy?
- How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities and care for my baby?
- Will I need to undergo any additional tests or procedures before the surgery?
- How experienced is the surgical team in performing microdiscectomy on pregnant women?
- What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan following the surgery?
- How will the surgery impact my ability to carry out daily activities and care for my baby during pregnancy?
Reference
Authors: Babici D, Johansen PM, Newman SL, O’Connor TE, Miller TD. Journal: Cureus. 2021 Dec 7;13(12):e20241. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20241. eCollection 2021 Dec. PMID: 35004056