Full Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

An endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed on the lower back. It is performed when a nerve or spinal cord is pinched or pressed. It is a minimally invasive procedure because only a small incision is necessary for an endoscope to pass through, and to give direct visualisation through magnified high quality video. Due to being a minimally invasive procedure, there is less surgical trauma and quicker recovery than traditional open back surgery.

Indications for Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar can be used to treat several conditions, such as herniated or bulging discs. It can also be recommended to relieve the following symptoms caused by bulging discs or age-related wear and tear.

• Chronic pain traveling down the leg, lower back or buttocks.
• Numbness or weakness that gets worse in their legs.
• Have issues with mobility as a result of their condition. 

What Happens During the Procedure?

You may be sedated using either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the discretion of your surgical team. A small incision is made to the side of the back, just big enough to allow the endoscope and surgical instruments into the disc space. The endoscope’s camera relays a live video to a monitor as the surgery is conducted. The surgeon removes the necessary portion of the damaged disc or disc material that was pressing against the nerve or spine that was causing the symptoms. After this is done, the instruments and endoscope are careful removed and the external incision is stitched closed. A lumbar endoscopic discectomy takes between 1 to 3 hours to perform, depending upon the procedure.

After surgery is over, you will be moved to the recovery room, where you will continue to be observed and monitored until you wake up from the anaesthesia. 

Recovery

The pain after spine surgery is tolerable and manageable. Immediately after operation and during hospital stay, patient may be administered very strong pain medication. Once the patient is discharged, gradually tapering and reducing doses of pain medication are given as the healing progresses. Sometimes stronger pain medications are prescribed as required.

Physiotherapy is crucial for recover and rehabilitation. The sessions may begin while the patient is in the hospital or from home. Physiotherapy helps to manage pre-operative weakness, gain better control of their muscles, and encouraged the patients to perform daily activities by themselves.