Our Summary

The research paper is about a type of minimally invasive back surgery called interlaminar microdiscectomy. The surgery was performed on a patient with severe back and leg pain caused by a herniated disc, which is a condition where the soft cushion between the spine’s bones slips out, pressing on nerves and causing pain. The procedure was filmed using an endoscope, a tool with a tiny camera at the end, allowing the surgeons to see inside the patient’s body without making large incisions. The paper explains the technique in detail and shows the important steps to perform this surgery safely. The patient was able to recover quickly because the surgery doesn’t cause much damage to the soft tissues in the back. In fact, the patient was able to leave the hospital on the same day of the surgery and didn’t need any pain medication a few weeks after the operation. The patient agreed to have the footage of the surgery and related information used in the making of this video. The study adhered to all ethical guidelines.

FAQs

  1. What is a working channel interlaminar microdiscectomy?
  2. How long after the surgery was the patient able to leave the hospital?
  3. What are the benefits of a minimally-invasive microdiscectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and bending at the waist for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing of the surgical site. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions as recommended by your healthcare provider to ensure optimal recovery and long-term success of the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have significant back and leg pain due to a persistent disc herniation. This procedure is minimally invasive and involves limited soft tissue destruction, making it a good option for patients who want a quicker recovery time and less postoperative pain. This approach may be especially beneficial for patients who are looking to return to their daily activities sooner and may not want to rely on long-term pain medication. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with a healthcare provider to determine if microdiscectomy is the right treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences significant back and leg pain due to a persistent disc herniation
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI to confirm the disc herniation
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider and decides to undergo microdiscectomy

After microdiscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive microdiscectomy procedure
  • Patient is able to leave the hospital on the same day of surgery
  • Patient experiences relief from pain and requires no pain medication by short-term follow-up a few weeks postoperatively
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for postoperative care and rehabilitation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with microdiscectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after microdiscectomy surgery?
  3. What kind of physical therapy or rehabilitation will be necessary after the surgery?
  4. How successful is microdiscectomy in relieving pain and improving function in patients with disc herniation?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with microdiscectomy surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing microdiscectomy surgeries, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  7. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or modifications after the surgery to prevent future disc herniation?
  9. Will there be any limitations on physical activity or work following the surgery?
  10. What is the likelihood of the disc herniation recurring in the future after undergoing microdiscectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kolcun JPG, Wang MY. Journal: Oper Neurosurg. 2019 Apr 1;16(4):E122. doi: 10.1093/ons/opy197. PMID: 30010988