Step to step discectomy treatment in Iran
Discectomy or discectomy is one of the main procedures for spinal decompression. The intervertebral discs may bulge, slip, herniate or rupture and put pressure on spinal nerves. This pressure causes pain and numbness in the back, legs, and hands. Discectomy can relieve this pressure.
In this procedure, the surgeon removes all or damaged parts of the disk. Discectomy may be done along laminectomy (removing part of the vertebras). After removing the disc, the surgeon may use arthrodesis or arthroplasty.
When is it done?
Discectomy isn't recommended for back and neck pain. In these cases, it is recommended to use physical therapy and exercises. Your doctor may suggest discectomy in the following conditions:
• You feel numbness and weakness in your limbs.
• You are uncomfortable walking and standing on your legs.
• Non-surgical options like physical therapy, analgesics and exercise can’t make you feel better in 6 to 12 weeks.
• Pain is radiating from your spine to your legs and buttocks (sciatica, leg pain worse than back pain), arms and chest.
• You have lost sensation in the genital area and bladder control.
How is the surgery done in Iran?
Discectomy is operated through different approaches: traditional open discectomy, Microdiscectomy and endo discectomy. Microdiscectomy and endo discectomy can be done in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.
Standard open discectomy
Either Standard or traditional open discectomy is done under general anesthesia in the hospital. In this operation, the incisions are larger compared to other methods (about 5cm) besides, no visual enhancement is used. The surgeon needs to do more surgery on spinal muscles and bones to see and access the damaged disc. The surgery is done in 60 to 90 minutes.
Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is done under general anesthesia. In this approach, the surgeon doesn't need to do a lot of manipulations on spinal muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints. The surgeon makes a small incision of 2.5-3.8 centimeters on the damaged area. Then the muscles are moved away from the spine. The disk and nerves are seen by the spinal microscope. In the next stage, the nerve root is moved away gently and the damaged disk gets removed. Then the surgeon moves back the muscles and closes the incision. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Endoscopic discectomy
Endoscopic discectomy is considered the least invasive approach operated under local anesthesia. In this method, there is no need to remove bone and muscle. A small camera is applied to detect the disc. A small incision (2-12 mm), as well as a small metal tube, helps the surgeon diagnose the disc. The damaged part is removed through the tube. If the tear or bulge is minor, the surgeon uses a laser. The laser vaporizes the disk material and hardens it. At the same time, the pain nerves inside the disk are killed. The surgery takes about 30 minutes and doesn’t traumatize the spine. However, in severe disk damages, this method may not be a preferable choice.
What is arthrodesis?
Arthrodesis is also known as joint fusion. This surgery is used for preventing the mobility of joints and pain. After complete discectomy, the vertebras get joined together with metal hardware. The surgeon may use a piece of allograft bone between two vertebras for better fusion. The patients that have strong vertebras on either side of the disk and can heal fast are the best candidates for this surgery.
What is arthroplasty?
Arthrodesis is also known as joint fusion. This surgery is used for preventing the mobility of joints and pain. After complete discectomy, the vertebras get joined together with metal hardware. The surgeon may use a piece of allograft bone between two vertebras for better fusion. The patients that have strong vertebras on either side of the disk and can heal fast are the best candidates for this surgery.
How long is the recovery time?
Compared to other invasive surgeries, the recovery time is shorter in this surgery. According to related studies in traditional open discectomy, the duration of hospital stay is about 5-21 days. Accordingly, return to work time is significantly longer compared to the other methods.
In microdiscectomy, it is expected that the patients can leave the hospital the same day or at most after 1 to 4 days. In endo discectomy, the patient can go home after 2-3 hours.
Depending on your healing speed and underlying disorder, the recovery can take 1 to 4 weeks. To speed up the healing process, stop smoking. You may need physical therapy weeks after surgery. The therapist will give you instructions on how to do your activities in recovery time. You can start working in 2–12 weeks, according to the amount of physical activity that your job demands.
Is discectomy worth it?
Discectomy helps to reduce the signs of nerve compression including pain. The success rate of this surgery is about 80%. But it doesn't eliminate the reason that damaged the disk in the first place. So, it can happen again. Your doctor may recommend you to lose weight. Some exercises can help you to improve the strength and flexibility of your spinal muscles. You should also restrict your activities including bending, lifting and twisting.
What are the risks of discectomy?
Discectomy is not considered as major surgery. This surgery contains some potential complications just like other surgeries.
They may include:
• Unexpected bleeding
• Post-operation infection
• Damage to nerves and blood vessels
• Spinal fluid leakage
How much does discectomy cost?
Iranian surgeons are always well- known due to their expertise and knowledge. Iran's world-class hospitals with a friendly manner and expert staff make Iran a good choice for all including international Patients. They can also save about 60 to 150% in theoretical costs. So affordable costs, as well as a reliable treatment, are another benefit of treatment in Iran.
Exon Health Paradise Co. as a facilitator provide you the best quality surgeries by surgeons with progressive thinking and high-level education. So you can have a safe and effective surgery with cutting edge instruments and state-of-the-art methods in Iran.
Published by: Exon Medical Department
Date: 11/11/2019
2019 November 11