Our Summary

This research paper reviews a new method for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH), a condition where a disc in the lower back becomes damaged and causes pain. The traditional treatment is an open lumbar microdiscectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the damaged disc. This new method uses a tool called a tubular retractor in the surgery which could cause less damage to the tissues and muscles. The researchers believe this new method is just as effective as the traditional surgery, causes less trauma to the body, and allows for quicker recovery. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH)?
  2. How does the use of a tubular retractor in surgery potentially cause less damage to tissues and muscles?
  3. How does the new method compare to the traditional open lumbar microdiscectomy in terms of effectiveness and recovery time?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that after a microdiscectomy, it is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, including avoiding lifting heavy objects, bending at the waist, and participating in strenuous activities for a period of time. It is also important to participate in physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and improve flexibility to prevent future injury. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good posture can help prevent further strain on the spine.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and steroid injections. They may be experiencing symptoms such as severe pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet. Additionally, patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation through imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans may be considered for microdiscectomy. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if microdiscectomy is the right choice for them.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences lower back pain, leg pain, and possibly weakness or numbness in the legs
  • Patient undergoes imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan to diagnose the herniated disc
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain medication, and steroid injections before considering surgery

After microdiscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and preparation for surgery
  • Patient undergoes minimally invasive microdiscectomy surgery using a tubular retractor
  • Patient typically experiences less pain and shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery
  • Patient may need to participate in physical therapy and follow post-operative instructions for optimal recovery
  • Patient gradually returns to normal activities and experiences relief from symptoms caused by the herniated disc

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a microdiscectomy procedure?
  2. How long is the recovery time after a microdiscectomy surgery?
  3. What type of post-operative care and rehabilitation will be necessary?
  4. How successful is this new method compared to traditional open lumbar microdiscectomy?
  5. Are there any specific criteria or conditions that would make me a better candidate for this new method over traditional surgery?
  6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  7. What are the expected outcomes in terms of pain relief and functional improvement after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options that I should consider before opting for a microdiscectomy?
  9. How many procedures have you performed using this new method and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing a microdiscectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ahn Y. Journal: Expert Rev Med Devices. 2020 Feb;17(2):131-138. doi: 10.1080/17434440.2020.1708189. Epub 2019 Dec 23. PMID: 31865755