How long does discectomy surgery take?
Traditional Microdiscectomy Surgery Step-By-Step A microdiscectomy is performed through the back, so the patient lies face down on the operating table for the surgery. General anesthesia is used, and the procedure usually takes about one to two hours.
How painful is a discectomy?
You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have relief from your symptoms right away, or you may get better over days or weeks. In the weeks after your surgery, it may be hard to sit or stand in one position for very long.
Is a discectomy major surgery?
Even though microdiscectomy recovery times are generally much faster than more invasive spinal surgeries, they're still major procedures that involve general anesthetic. As such, they require careful oversight prior to medical personnel releasing you to return home.
Is the entire disc removed in a discectomy?
Historically, a traditional discectomy required a large incision and involved removal of the entire disc. Today, with the availability of advanced techniques and equipment, almost all spine surgeons perform microdiscectomies. The procedure usually results in rapid, and sometimes immediate, pain relief.
How long is hospital stay after discectomy?
You'll usually be able to go home about 1 to 4 days after your operation. How long you need to stay in hospital will depend on the specific type of surgery you had and your general health. When you get home, it's important to take things easy at first, gradually increasing your level of activity every day.
How long does it take to fully recover from a discectomy?
Recovery starts with you To get moving as quickly as possible, start with self-care. Focus on rest, medication, and sleep. From there, exercise and physical therapy can improve recovery. The timeframe for a full recovery from microdiscectomy is about 12 weeks.
How long after a discectomy can I drive?
You can drive when you feel up to driving and are not taking narcotic pain medications or after clearance by your surgeon. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after a laminectomy and discectomy and 4 to 6 weeks after a lumbar fusion.
How long does it take for an l5 nerve to heal?
Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery may be recommended.
What are the risks of discectomy?
RisksBleeding.Infection.Leaking spinal fluid.Injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine.
Can you bend after discectomy?
Most lumbar microdiscectomy patients are able to go home from the hospital a few hours after the surgery. The traditional approach to recovering from lumbar microdiscectomy has been to limit bending, lifting, or twisting for a minimum of 6 weeks in order to prevent the disc from herniating again.
What is L5 S1 discectomy?
Overview. Lumbar discectomy is a surgery to remove a herniated or degenerative disc in the lower spine. The incision is made posterior, through the back muscles, to remove the disc pressing on the nerve.
Do you have to have a fusion with a discectomy?
This procedure may be performed anywhere along the spine, but it's most often needed in the lower back or neck. When the entire disc is removed, a spinal fusion is necessary to stabilize the vertebrae affected by the discectomy. The fusion joins the bones on both sides of the removed disc so they form one bone.
Is herniated disc surgery worth it?
In a study of people who had sciatica caused by a herniated disc, the chances of having no symptoms or almost no symptoms 3 months to 2 years later was a little higher with surgery than with non-surgical treatment. But overall, most people felt better with or without surgery.
How should I sleep after discectomy?
Just like sleeping on your back, sleeping on your side helps reduce pain and pressure. Try to alternate between sleeping on your left and right side to distribute the pressure and benefit your spine's alignment. Right after surgery, you can also place a pillow under or in between your knees.
How long is lumbar discectomy recovery?
Lumbar Microdiscectomy Recovery Time 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.
Is herniated disc surgery risky?
Herniated disk surgery is generally safe. Risks are rare, but can include: Infection. Damage to nerves or blood vessels.