What is Microdiscectomy?

A microdiscectomy is a surgical treatment used to treat spinal stenosis and perhaps a bulging disc, narrowing the spinal canal. A microdiscectomy involves the removal of a piece of the spine’s disc that is bulging and putting pressure on the spinal cord, followed by creating a tiny opening in the spinal canal to allow the spinal cord to decompress.  SA Spine provided this information.

The surgeon inserts a small scope (laparoscope) with a tiny video camera into the patient’s spine in this technique. The surgeon guides the camera and surgical tools through a tiny incision near the shoulder blade.
A narrowing of the spinal canal is referred to as spinal stenosis. It is the most frequent spinal deformity caused by age-related degeneration of the vertebral joints. Spinal canal narrowing can result in significant pain and spinal instability.  

The symptoms differ depending on the location of the constriction. Back or leg discomfort, numbness or paralysis in the legs or feet, and bladder or bowel incontinence are all symptoms of spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis is diagnosed with a physical examination and imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.Non-surgical therapies for spinal stenosis include physical therapy, medicines, and injections.If non-surgical therapy fails to reduce discomfort, surgery may be suggested. The spinal canal is decompressed during this surgery, which releases pressure.

Bulging disc surgery is the second most frequent spinal surgical treatment performed in the United States. It is also one of the most invasive surgeries performed. During surgery, one or more discs in the spinal column are removed to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves. This operation necessitates considerable recovery from severe spine surgery’s physical and psychological consequences.
Revision surgery is a second operation. The majority of revision operations fail to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves.

The risk of complications and significant complications remains relatively high after spine surgery. The chance of significant complications after spine surgery, including paralysis and death, is 6%. This danger has decreased over time as an anesthetic and surgical methods have improved.