Herniated Disc Surgery Procedures

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Find out if you're a candidate for a minimally invasive alternative to open neck or back surgery

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Once conservative herniated disc treatment options have been exhausted, and the patient is still suffering from a lower quality of life caused by a herniated disc, surgery is often discussed. The recommended treatment is most often open back surgery. Open back surgery has three major downsides; high risks, required hospitalization, and a long recovery time.

As an alternative to open back surgery, minimally invasive laser spine surgery may be an option worth looking into further. An endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive laser assisted technique that can be preformed in a surgical outpatient environment typically leaving the patient free of painful herniated disc symptoms. A discectomy process will remove the herniated disc or bulging disc material applying pressure a nerve root or even the spinal cord itself.

After the patient’s history has been looked at and a physical examination including images such as a MRI or CT scan have indicated a herniated disc or a bulging disc, and disc has not ruptured inner fluid into the spinal canal a endoscopic discectomy can be preformed.

If the patient has a large abundance of bony anomalies or even foraminal stenosis they are not a good candidate for the endoscopic discectomy procedure. The patient would more likely have more benefit from taking advantage of a foraminotomy procedure.

During an endoscopic discectomy, X-ray monitoring and fiber optics display results on a monitor, using a picture display. The surgeon can then see in real time what is compressing the nerve and easily remove it with the laser. This helps to ensure a high success rate.

Endoscopic Discectomy - Procedure

Once the patient receives a local anesthetic, the surgeon will make a small incision for the insertion of a round Depuy Tube. When the tube is inserted the muscles are pushed out of the way instead of being cut or torn. Through this tube the procedure will be preformed with little damage to the surrounding muscles.

This working tube will be the insertion point for the laser, camera, suction, irrigation and carious other surgical instruments. The laser is used during surgery to vaporize the problematic disc material, reducing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve. During the procedure many patients will feel relief as the pressure is minimized. Once the surgeon has completed the procedure, the tube is slowly removed, letting the muscles slowly move back to place.

The procedure for an endoscopic discectomy takes between 30 and 45 minutes to perform and recovery time afterwards is relatively quick. Once the patient has been monitored for an hour or two, they are free to leave as long as they are accompanied by a companion.

After the surgery has been completed and the patient has been released, the patient is encouraged to take a nice long walk during the afternoon or later on that evening. The following day the patient will return for a post-op consultation so that the doctor can give the patient clearance to return home.

The advantages of undergoing a endoscopic discectomy for a herniated disc:

Preformed in a surgical outpatient setting eliminating the need for lengthy hospital stays
No need to general anesthesia
Unlike most open back procedures, there is no need for spinal fusion
Minimally invasive technique
High rate of success
With a fast recuperation time, patients return to their usual activities quickly
Formation of scar tissue is very minimal

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