A minimally invasive discectomy offers short recovery times, ensures that no muscles are damaged during the procedure, and reduces back and leg pain. The procedure focuses on removing material from herniated discs, which presses on the spinal nerve, causing numbness, pain and loss of strength, as well as many other symptoms. Dr. Chetan Patel of AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health provides cutting edge minimally invasive spine treatment procedures. To learn more about your spine health options, contact AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health for an appointment by calling Call407-303-5452.
What Does This Treatment Offer?
A minimally invasive discectomy, also sometimes called a microdiscectomy, relies on modern laparoscopic tools to provide substantially better results than older-style open surgery without the risks. While all surgical treatments carry some risks, minimally invasive techniques are able to minimize them by:
Allowing the surgeon a better view of the area through a laparoscopic microscope, allowing smaller incisions to be made
- Smaller incisions in the skin
- Less chance of infection
- No need to cut through muscles
- Minimal sutures needed to close the incision site (two sutures, usually)
- Shorter recovery time (some patients are able to return to work within two to four weeks)
The goal of the treatment is pain reduction by eliminating pressure on the spinal nerve. For most patients, pain reduction is noticed as soon as the surgery is over and the anesthesia wears off.
How Does It Work?
A minimally invasive discectomy is relatively straightforward. Dr. Chetan Patel will make a small incision in the skin of the back. Next, the muscles running vertically down the spine are shifted out of the way (not cut). Beneath this layer of muscle is a thin membrane and beneath that is the spine. The surgeon will then access the vertebra where the herniated disc is located. In certain instances, the lamina of the vertebra may need to be removed (laminectomy), but this is not true in all cases. The material from the disc that is impinging on the nerve is cut away and the nerve moved aside. Once this is done, the surgeon will close the incision and the healing process begins.
Recovery
Recovery from any minimally invasive procedure is usually very short in comparison to open surgeries. Most patients are able to go home the same day of treatment, and most can also return to work within two to four weeks, though individuals with strenuous jobs may need to double that length of time.
Is This the Right Treatment for You?
If you are experiencing pain in the legs due to a compressed nerve in the spine, this treatment option can be an excellent choice. However, only a qualified spine surgeon should recommend back surgery. Through a series of diagnostic methods (CT scans, x-rays, etc.), Dr. Chetan Patel will determine if the cause of your pain and discomfort is indeed a herniated disc and then make recommendations for treatment.
To find out more information about a minimally invasive discectomy procedure or your options in back pain reduction, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health for an appointment by calling Call407-303-5452.