Surgical treatment of discopathy – microdiscectomy

Interventional treatment of discopathy – microdiscectomy

Discopathy, also known as a herniated disc, is a common spinal condition. It affects people of all ages, mainly between 30 and 55 years old. The most common causes of discopathy are obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical activity. However, this condition can also result from improper work performed in a forward-bent position or lifting heavy objects combined with twisting. Discopathy can affect any segment of the spine but usually occurs in the lumbosacral and cervical regions. Its characteristic symptom is chronic or acute pain radiating to the limbs, pelvis, shoulders, or chest. Pain symptoms may worsen during bending, sitting, sneezing, or even coughing. Discopathy should not be underestimated because it will not resolve on its own and will hinder daily functioning. Its treatment may include not only rehabilitation and spinal exercises but also modern procedures. One of the more interesting options may be microdiscectomy. What exactly does it involve? When should interventional treatment of discopathy be considered, and what benefits does it offer? You will find answers in the text below. We encourage you to read it!

What is microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy, also known as microdecompression, is an innovative procedure that is extremely popular in spinal surgery. It involves removing the disc herniation, i.e., the fragment of the nucleus pulposus that has protruded into the spinal canal and compresses the nerves, causing unpleasant pain symptoms. The procedure itself lasts about 60-120 minutes. It involves making a small skin incision at the level of the operated disc, through which specialized equipment is introduced. Unlike traditional procedures, microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed using an endoscope. Thanks to this, patients return home and to full activity faster. It is also worth noting that the risk of possible complications and tissue damage is minimal.

When to decide on microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy may be the best choice when other conservative methods of discopathy treatment fail, such as pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation. Indications for this procedure definitely include symptoms such as foot weakness or quadriceps muscle weakness. Microdiscectomy may be a good option when pain symptoms are severe enough to interfere with normal functioning. Instead of taking more medications, it is better to opt for a procedure that will allow you to enjoy life. Other important indications include impaired bladder function, bowel dysfunction, or sexual dysfunction resulting from intervertebral disc protrusion.

What benefits does interventional treatment of discopathy bring?

It must be admitted that interventional treatment of discopathy offers quite a few benefits, especially if you visit a professional clinic. In such centers, you can count on support from specialists who have not only knowledge and appropriate skills but also extensive experience in performing these procedures. In their daily work, they use the best equipment and techniques, ensuring patients a greater chance of returning to full health. Professional clinics also provide an individual approach to each case and the possibility to perform necessary diagnostic tests immediately. These tests are very important because, based on them, specialists can determine whether you qualify for microdiscectomy and select actions that will ensure your recovery. As for the operation itself, it is a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure that does not require a large incision. It is very short and guarantees a shorter recovery time as well as a lower risk of complications. By choosing this procedure, you will return to an active life faster. It is also worth mentioning that microdiscectomy allows treatment of multiple disc levels and quickly alleviates pain symptoms.