Lumbar microdiscectomy surgery is a treatment for a herniated lumbar disc that compresses a nerve root. It is a minimally invasive spine surgery in which damaged tissue is removed. In this article, we describe the operation, and what to expect in the recovery process, including some recommendations to keep in mind.
Depending on the nature of the lesion of the specific patient, lumbar microdiscectomy is one of the treatment options for a herniated lumbar disc that causes pain due to compression of the nerve roots. The symptoms of the patient usually include the following:
- Intense pain that radiates from the lower back to the leg or even the foot
- Loss of strength or mobility in the legs
- Numbness, tingling, or lack of feeling
- Problems with sphincter control
In this minimally invasive surgical technique, the damaged tissue of the intervertebral disc is removed, eliminating the compression of the spinal nerves, and thus relieving the symptoms.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia and normally requires a 24-48 hour hospital stay after the procedure. The surgeon performs the operation using a special microscope to get a magnified image in order to make the most minimal incision, which reduces tissue damage. This minimally invasive approach leads to a faster and easier recovery period for the patient.
Recovery after lumbar microdiscectomy
At Instituto Clavel we believe that after any kind of surgery, the patient has an important role to play in their recovery. The best way to achieve this is to first make sure that the patient has all the information they need about what the recovery process is usually like so they can know what to expect.
Although there may be differences in each case, the recovery process after spinal surgery such as a lumbar microdiscectomy is usually as follows:
- Only a few hours after surgery, the patient is able to get up and carefully walk a little bit, for example, to go to the bathroom
- The physiotherapist comes to check on the patient and evaluate their condition, in order to recommend helpful exercises that will aid the recovery process. The physiotherapist will also advise the patient as to which movements should be avoided during the following weeks.
- It will be recommended that the patient take several short walks a day to prevent stiffness and improve circulation in the legs
- All this will be accompanied by a schedule of medication to control pain and inflammation, sufficient for the pain management needs of the individual patient
When the patient is discharged from the hospital, within 24-48 hours after the surgery if everything is correct, they will be given an appointment for a few days later to check the healing of the surgical incision, and they are given an appointment with our specialized physiotherapy center, FisioSpine, to begin a rehabilitation program.
These sessions include a range of active and passive physical therapy and exercises that are adapted specifically according to the type of surgery the patient has had, and the stage of recovery the patient is in.
Normally, the patient can begin to do gentle, non-impact exercise starting about 6 weeks after surgery. One of the best options for this time can be a stationary bike. Later on, other sports activities may be resumed, always depending on the doctor’s recommendations for the specific patient.
As for returning to work, the timing depends on what the work activity involves. For something like office work, the patient can generally start back to work about 3 or 4 weeks after surgery, although to avoid risks, it is important to evaluate the patient’s condition to determine if they are ready. For those jobs that require greater physical effort, they can usually be taken up again approximately 12 weeks after surgery.
It should go without saying that sticking with a rehabilitation routine and following the recommendations of the doctor and the physiotherapists will be key for speeding up the recovery time and achieving better results.
Our medical team also helps the patient with a review of possible harmful habits of their daily life, and explains changes the patient can make (postural hygiene, physical activity, etc.) in order to improve their quality of life and prevent recurrence of disc herniation or any another spinal injury.
More information about lumbar microdiscectomy here
If you need medical advice or a personalized assessment of your case or that of a family member, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you.
Categories: Spine treatments, Surgery, Rehabilitation