Our Summary

This research paper discusses a common surgical treatment for herniated lumbar discs, called lumbar discectomy. While this procedure is generally successful, there is a possibility that the disc will herniate again, requiring another surgery. To avoid this, surgeons may remove a larger amount of the disc’s inner material, which reduces the risk of another herniation. However, this action also reduces the size of the disc and can lead to a loss of disc height after surgery.

This change may seem small, but it can actually affect many aspects of a patient’s health and well-being. The researchers suggest that the loss of disc height can cause more pain and disability, which can in turn have negative impacts on the patient’s life and on the healthcare system as a whole.

The paper presents evidence that supports this theory and suggests some ways to limit these negative effects. The researchers emphasize the need to consider the cost-effectiveness of healthcare decisions, as well as the importance of avoiding potential negative outcomes of this surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is a lumbar discectomy and why is it performed?
  2. What are the potential negative impacts of a loss of disc height after a lumbar discectomy?
  3. What strategies do the researchers propose to limit the negative effects of disc height loss after a lumbar discectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for a certain period of time after surgery. This will help to prevent re-injury and promote proper healing of the surgical site. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active with low-impact exercises can also help to reduce the risk of future disc herniation. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have symptoms of a herniated lumbar disc, such as severe lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness. These symptoms are often caused by the compression of a nerve root in the spine due to the herniated disc. Microdiscectomy is usually recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections.

Additionally, patients who have significant functional limitations or who experience severe pain that affects their quality of life may also be recommended for microdiscectomy. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are suitable candidates for this surgical procedure.

Overall, microdiscectomy is a common and effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic herniated lumbar discs. However, it is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the surgery with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about their treatment options.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of a herniated disc, such as back pain, leg pain, and numbness.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as MRI or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Patient may try conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, to manage symptoms.

After microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc.
  2. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes physical therapy to help with recovery and strengthen the back muscles.
  4. Over time, patient may experience a reduction in symptoms and improved mobility.
  5. There is a risk of the disc herniating again, requiring further treatment or surgery in some cases.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy surgery for treating herniated lumbar discs?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  5. How likely is it that the herniated disc will reoccur after surgery and what can I do to prevent this?
  6. Will the loss of disc height after surgery have any long-term effects on my spine or overall health?
  7. What are the limitations and restrictions I should follow post-surgery to ensure a successful recovery?
  8. How long will it take for me to resume normal activities and return to work after microdiscectomy surgery?
  9. Are there any specific exercises or physical therapy techniques that can help improve my recovery and prevent future disc herniation?
  10. What is the overall cost of the surgery, including any follow-up appointments or physical therapy sessions, and will my insurance cover these expenses?

Reference

Authors: Kursumovic A, Muir JM, Ammerman J, Bostelmann R. Journal: Cureus. 2019 Jul 18;11(7):e5169. doi: 10.7759/cureus.5169. PMID: 31528519