Our Summary

This study looked at what factors make it more likely for patients to be able to go home on the same day after having a specific type of back surgery (lumbar microdiscectomy). The researchers looked at information from patients who had this surgery between 2012 and 2014. They found that patients were more likely to be discharged on the same day if they were younger, healthier, lived close to the hospital, and had their surgery scheduled in the morning. This information could be used to help plan surgeries and make better use of hospital resources.

FAQs

  1. What factors were found to contribute to same-day discharge after lumbar microdiscectomy?
  2. How can the findings of this study be used to improve hospital resource management?
  3. What was the time period of the patient data analyzed in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering microdiscectomy that it is important to stay active and follow a rehabilitation program after surgery to help improve recovery and prevent future back issues. They may also advise the patient to avoid heavy lifting and bending at the waist for a period of time to allow the spine to heal properly. Additionally, the doctor may recommend maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good posture to reduce the risk of re-injury.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have a herniated disc in the lumbar spine that is causing severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without success. Additionally, patients who have not experienced relief from their symptoms after 6-12 weeks of conservative treatment may be recommended for microdiscectomy. Patients who are otherwise healthy and have a good chance of successful outcomes from surgery are also good candidates for microdiscectomy.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences persistent back pain, leg pain, or numbness
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm diagnosis of a herniated disc
  • Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage symptoms
  • Patient and surgeon discuss surgical options, risks, and benefits of microdiscectomy
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions

After microdiscectomy:

  • Patient arrives at hospital or surgical center on the day of surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, including anesthesia administration
  • Surgeon performs microdiscectomy procedure to remove part of the herniated disc causing symptoms
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort post-operatively, which is managed with pain medications
  • Patient is encouraged to gradually increase activity levels and participate in physical therapy to aid in recovery
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and discuss long-term outcomes and expectations.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about microdiscectomy include:

  1. What does the surgery involve and how will it help alleviate my symptoms?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  3. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy in relieving pain and improving function?
  4. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect in terms of pain and limitations during this time?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered before opting for surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  7. How many times have you performed microdiscectomy procedures and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery and if so, for how long?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent re-injury?
  10. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries in the future after undergoing microdiscectomy?

Reference

Authors: Ahuja N, Sharma H. Journal: Surgeon. 2018 Jun;16(3):146-150. doi: 10.1016/j.surge.2017.04.001. Epub 2017 May 15. PMID: 28522270