What is Minimally Lumbar Invasive Microdiscectomy?
Minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy is a relatively new surgical procedure in NJ. This procedure is used to alleviate pain and help you return to your full active lifestyle if you have sciatica or a pinched nerve coming from your spine.
The minimally invasive microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure where your neurosurgeon makes a small incision in your back. Then, specialized instruments are introduced into your back to help remove a portion of the spinal disc that is pressing against your spinal nerve. Once your surgeon decompresses your nerve, the instruments are removed and the tiny incision is repaired.
Benefits of having a microdiscectomy procedure in NJ include:
- Small incision
- Faster recovery time
- Minimal injury to your spinal muscles
- Minimal blood loss
- Less pain
By using a smaller incision and specialized instruments to decompress your spinal nerve, your doctor will not have to dissect your spinal muscles from the bone. This means less pain and a faster recovery time so you can quickly return to your normal, active lifestyle.
Recovery after Minimally Invasive Lumbar Microdiscectomy
The minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy procedure takes place in a New Jersey hospital or surgical center. Most patients return home hours after the procedure. While recovery times vary based on your specific condition, most patients can expect to be up and about immediately after surgery, and many can return to normal light activities and non-physical work within a week of the procedure.
After your minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy procedure in NJ, you may benefit from starting a walking program and gentle exercises to quickly return to normal activity. Your doctor may want you to avoid heavy lifting for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, so if your job requires heavy physical labor, you may need to return to work on light duty before returning to full duty.
Most active, healthy individuals find that recovery after a microdiscectomy procedure is simple, and many people return to their normal recreational and work activities within a few weeks after the surgery.
Risks of Minimally Invasive Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Although this is a small, low-risk surgery, no surgery is without risk. Risks or potential complications of a microdiscectomy procedure include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Spinal fluid leak
- Nerve irritation or, even more rarely injury
These complications are rare, and your doctor will take time to help you understand them prior to your procedure. The risks associated with minimally invasive spine surgery in NJ are no different when compared to standard spinal procedures, although the risk of infection is much less with minimally invasive surgery.
Additionally it is important to understand that no surgery works perfectly. Sometimes the surgery fails to relieve some or all of the symptoms it was aiming for. There are many possible reasons for this, but usually this is because, unfortunately, sometimes nerve damage has already occurred prior to surgery.
Is Minimally Invasive Lumbar Microdiscectomy Right for Me?
If back pain, sciatica or a pinched nerve is compromising your normal, active lifestyle or keeping you from enjoying work, athletics or family time, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy in NJ. It is a safe procedure that carries with it minimal risks and superior benefits when compared to standard open spine surgery. The procedure can offer you a rapid return to your previous lifestyle including return to work and high level athletics.
The neurosurgical team in our northern New Jersey office can help you learn more about the minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy procedure and can help you decide if it is the right treatment for your back or neck pain.