Our Summary

This research study compared two types of surgery used to treat a condition called high-level lumbar disc prolapse. This is when the discs in your back, which act like cushions between the bones, slip out of place. The two surgeries are called microdiscectomy and open discectomy.

The researchers randomly assigned ten patients, half to receive one type of surgery and half to receive the other. The patients were evaluated before and after the surgery to see how they were doing.

The study found that the patients who had the microdiscectomy surgery had less pain after the operation. They also had less blood loss, less bone loss, and fewer complications. Plus, they were able to leave the hospital sooner.

The main differences between the two surgeries were how big the cut (incision) was and how much blood was lost. The microdiscectomy surgery uses a smaller cut, which could explain why patients had a better recovery.

In conclusion, the study suggests that microdiscectomy could be a better option for patients with high-level lumbar disc prolapse. They might be able to get back to their normal lives and work sooner, and they might not need as much pain medication after the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between microdiscectomy and open discectomy in terms of surgical outcomes?
  2. Does microdiscectomy result in less postoperative pain compared to open discectomy?
  3. How does microdiscectomy affect the hospitalization time and the patient’s return to normal life compared to open discectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow postoperative instructions carefully, including maintaining proper posture, avoiding heavy lifting, and gradually increasing physical activity as advised by your healthcare provider. Proper postoperative care can help ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy include those with high-level lumbar disc prolapse who have failed to respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and epidural steroid injections. Microdiscectomy is often recommended for patients who have severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the lower back and legs due to a herniated disc pressing on a nerve root. Other factors that may indicate a need for microdiscectomy include the presence of significant neurological deficits, such as muscle weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control, and the failure of other surgical treatments such as open discectomy. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of high-level lumbar disc prolapse such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, and weakness
  • Patient undergoes clinical evaluation and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis
  • Decision is made to proceed with surgical intervention
  • Patient is informed about the procedure, risks, and benefits

After microdiscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes microdiscectomy surgery to remove the herniated disc material pressing on the nerve
  • Postoperatively, patient experiences pain improvement and reduction in symptoms
  • Hospital stay is shorter compared to open discectomy
  • Blood loss and bone loss are minimal
  • Patient may experience faster recovery and return to normal activities
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor postoperative outcomes and address any concerns or complications

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?

  2. How long is the recovery process after microdiscectomy?

  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the procedure?

  4. What are the success rates of microdiscectomy compared to open discectomy?

  5. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms?

  6. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities I should follow after the surgery?

  7. How long do the results of microdiscectomy typically last?

  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for microdiscectomy?

  9. How experienced are you in performing microdiscectomy procedures?

  10. What can I do to help ensure a successful outcome from the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Elkatatny AAAM, Hamdy TM, Moenes KM. Journal: Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019 Aug 30;7(17):2851-2857. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.679. eCollection 2019 Sep 15. PMID: 31844448