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Lumbar Discectomy
Frequently Asked Questions
This procedure is normally
recommended to resolve low back and leg pain resulting from a
herniated disc. A herniated disc may be referred to as one of the
following by a variety of medical practitioners and/or laypersons:
- Pinched Nerve
- Ruptured Disc
- Slipped Disc
- Protruding Disc
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- Sciatica
- Bulging (extruded) Disc
- Disc Disease
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
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Diagnostic Tools
Treatment Alternatives
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Medications
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Continue to live with the condition
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Physical therapy (Exercises and stretching)
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Chiropractic Manipulation
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Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)
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TENS Units
Purpose of Procedure
The
primary purpose of this procedure is to surgically remove a part of
the disc that is pushing on the nerve and thus, causing the pain.
The goal is to take pressure off of the nerve but still retain as
much of the disc as possible. The entire disc is not removed, only
the herniated fragment.
Who will be involved in
procedure?
Surgeon - The orthopedic spine surgeon
that you have been seeing in our office will be your primary
surgeon, in charge of your surgery.
Assistant Surgeon - Another orthopedic
spine surgeon, usually from our office, will assist your surgeon
with the procedure. This is done to minimize the length of time you
are under general anesthesia and to provide the necessary assistance
with the actual surgical procedure.
Anesthesiologist - The doctor who
actually administers and monitors the anesthesia is a critical part
of the surgical team. You will normally meet with the
Anesthesiologist during your Pre Op appointment at the hospital.
Length of Surgery
A typical lumbar
discectomy takes approximately 1 hour.
Hospital Stay
With most spinal
surgeries, patients are up and walking within hours after their
procedure, although the walking is very limited. It is no longer
necessary, or recommended, that you lie in bed for days or weeks
after spine surgery. Nurses who are experienced in working with
spinal surgery patients will assist you during your first few
efforts at getting out of bed and walking.
Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to shower, usually 1-2 days after surgery. The
nursing staff will show you how to keep the dressing dry and in place
to protect the incision while showering. Soaking in a bathtub is
not allowed. The wound should not be submerged in water (pool or
tub) until it has healed and has been cleared by your doctor. The
nurse will change the dressing after your shower, and again later if
necessary.
Incision Care
Your surgical incision will be checked during your
first Post Op appointment. However, should your incision become red,
tender or drainage occurs, prior to your first scheduled Post Op visit,
you should contact our office for instructions.
Nutrition
Liquids are allowed right after surgery. Solid foods
are allowed thereafter, as tolerated. Your doctor will give you
specific instructions.
How much pain should I expect and how is it treated?
Your doctor's goal is to keep you as comfortable as
possible. Almost all strong pain medications are narcotics that tend
to make you sleepy and can depress your breathing. We must balance
the side effects with our goal to relieve pain. In the hospital (IV)
patient controlled medications are given the first day. We then
switch to oral medications. You will have pain pills for home use,
also. We continue home medications as needed, with the goal of
weaning them as you recover. It is important to tell your doctor of
any allergies to medicines and to only use pain medications as
directed. Mixing medications can be dangerous. We do not refill
pain medications after hours or on weekends. You must ask ahead
1-2 days if you are going to run out of pain pills. Refills of
medications are at your doctor's discretion.
Return to Routine of Normal Daily Living
During the rehabilitation process it is important to
recondition the muscles with exercise, stretching and aerobic
conditioning. Your doctor will give more specific instructions during
the course of your post-operative care during your office visits.
Early return to normal activities is encouraged with three
exceptions. Heavy lifting, bending from the waist and prolonged
sitting are discouraged for the first 6 weeks after surgery.
Driving is not allowed until after your first post-op visit (usually 1
- 2 weeks). Most patients are able to go up and down stairs when they
go home from the hospital. Some patients may require additional
assistance.
Return
to Work
Return to work is determined for each individual
patient based upon several factors. The doctor's goal is to help you
return to work as soon as you can do so safely. If you have a light
or sedentary job or if light duty restrictions are available, then
return to work could occur in 10-14 days. If you are able to work
from home by phone, fax and computer, very early work may be
realistic. If your job is very heavy and strenuous, return to work
can take several months. Other factors that play a role in return
include your overall physical condition, tolerance of pain and need
for additional therapy.
Even the best results of surgery do not mean that you
will necessarily be able to return to your prior type of job. Some
patients are advised to go through job re-education or find a lighter
job for future back safety.
Risks and Potential
Complications
No Guarantees
No guarantees can be made as to the success
of this procedure.
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Lumbar Discectomy FAQs
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