Our Summary

This study compared two types of surgery for treating herniated discs in the lower back: unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy (UBED) and microdiscectomy (MD). After reviewing nine different studies involving over 1000 patients, the researchers found that both surgeries were equally effective in reducing back pain and disability. However, patients who underwent UBED experienced less pain in the first few days after surgery, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and had a slightly better disability score at their last follow-up. There were no significant differences in complications between the two surgeries. So, while both surgeries work well, UBED might have some extra benefits.

FAQs

  1. What were the two types of surgery compared in this study for treating herniated discs in the lower back?
  2. Are there any significant differences in post-operative complications between Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Discectomy (UBED) and Microdiscectomy (MD)?
  3. What are the potential added benefits of undergoing UBED as opposed to MD as per this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including resting, avoiding heavy lifting, and participating in physical therapy as recommended. This will help ensure a successful recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help prevent future back issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have a herniated disc in the lower back that is causing severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs. These symptoms may be due to pressure on the spinal nerves from the herniated disc. Patients who have not found relief from other non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or steroid injections may be candidates for microdiscectomy. Additionally, patients who have tried conservative treatments for at least six weeks and still have persistent symptoms may also be recommended for microdiscectomy.

Timeline

Before the microdiscectomy procedure:

  1. Patient experiences persistent lower back pain, leg pain, and numbness or weakness in the legs.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm a herniated disc.
  3. Patient consults with a spine surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  4. Surgeon recommends microdiscectomy surgery as a minimally invasive option to relieve symptoms.

After the microdiscectomy procedure:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation.
  2. Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery.
  3. Microdiscectomy procedure is performed, which involves removing a portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve.
  4. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room.
  5. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the first few days after surgery.
  6. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be recommended to help with recovery and strengthening.
  7. Patient is discharged from the hospital within a few days of surgery.
  8. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  9. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences relief from lower back pain and leg symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after microdiscectomy surgery?
  3. Will I require physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  4. How successful is microdiscectomy in relieving pain and improving mobility in the long term?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for microdiscectomy?
  6. What is the likelihood of needing a repeat surgery in the future after undergoing microdiscectomy?
  7. How experienced are you in performing microdiscectomy surgeries?
  8. What should I expect during the surgery and the immediate post-operative period?
  9. Will I need to make any lifestyle or activity modifications after the surgery?
  10. How soon can I return to work and normal activities after microdiscectomy?

Reference

Authors: Feng Z, Zhao Z, Cui W, Meng X, Hai Y. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2024 Jun;33(6):2139-2153. doi: 10.1007/s00586-023-08116-2. Epub 2024 Feb 22. PMID: 38388729