Lumbar discectomy is considered a major surgical procedure. This operation involves removing a portion of a herniated or damaged disc in the lower back region, known as the lumbar spine. The objective of this surgery is to alleviate pressure on the nerves, which often causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs and lower back. Lumbar discectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, and patients are required to stay in the hospital for a few days after the operation.
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the lower back to access the affected disc. The surgeon removes the problematic portion of the disc, releasing the compressed nerves and reducing any associated symptoms. In some cases, the surgeon may need to perform a microdiscectomy, which involves using a microscope or magnifying lenses for a more precise removal of the disc material.
Recovery from lumbar discectomy varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. Patients may experience some pain and discomfort initially, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the surgeon. Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and mobility in the lower back. Full recovery may take several weeks to several months, during which patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
Lumbar discectomy is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for patients suffering from severe disc herniation or nerve compression in the lower back. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or recurrence of the herniated disc. It is important for patients to discuss these risks and benefits with their surgeon before deciding to undergo lumbar discectomy. Overall, this surgery has a high success rate in relieving pain and improving quality of life for patients.
Can you walk after lumbar discectomy?
Recovery after lumbar decompression surgery will depend on your fitness and level of activity prior to surgery. This is why a course of physiotherapy before the operation may be recommended. You’ll be encouraged to walk and move around the day after surgery and it’s likely you’ll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards.
What is the recovery time for a l4 l5 discectomy?
Driving and light activities can typically be resumed after about 2 weeks. Routine activities, such as work, school, and/or hobbies may be resumed within 6 weeks. Strenuous labor or contact sports may be recommenced after 12 weeks or longer.
What can you not do after a lumbar discectomy?
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Is a lumbar discectomy painful?
On the first day after surgery, pain levels can vary from mild to severe and may become more when the effect of the strong pain-relieving medications wear off and/or the nerve(s) starts to heal.
What is the success rate of a lumbar discectomy?
Lumbar discectomy is a motion-preserving operation that relieves lumbar radicular pain in 80% to 90% of patients.
Is lumbar discectomy major surgery?
Yes, a diskectomy can be a major surgery. But there are a few minimally invasive surgical approaches that are less major than an open diskectomy in terms of the days you spend in a hospital recovering.
Is nerve damage permanent after discectomy?
Typically, nerve damage is considered permanent if the patient is still noticing related symptoms more than a year after the procedure. Just because a nerve is no longer compressed does not mean signals automatically travel again the way they did before surgery.
How long does it take for nerves to heal after discectomy?
It often takes several weeks or months for a nerve to heal after discectomy surgery. Depending on each patient’s situation, the experience will differ, and it is not uncommon to notice a more immediate decrease in the severity of symptoms after having a discectomy.
How many years does a discectomy last?
For some patients, results from a discectomy or a less invasive microdiscectomy last indefinitely. Others may experience renewed discomfort several months or even years after surgery, which may be a sign of reherniation of the same spinal disc.
