Lumbar Disc Surgery
Lumbar disc surgery is a major operation performed by a Neurosurgeon or an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals. It involves replacing a diseased lumbar disc, located in the lower part of the spine, with a metal or metal-and-plastic implant. In certain cases, the surgery may entail replacing two lumbar discs.
It helps in relieving pain and other symptoms like weakness and numbness in the legs. Lumbar Disc Surgery in Hyderabad is considered when the patient is not able to get enough relief from conservative treatment options such as medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications. It is an alternative to standard lumbar fusion surgery.
At Arete Hospitals, the maximum number of neurosurgeries that are carried out is to replace a diseased/damaged lumbar disc. Arete Hospitals employs highly experienced Spine Surgeons in Hyderabad who excel in lumbar disc replacement. They are even the leaders in research and innovation and clinical trials for lumbar disc surgery.
Benefits of Lumbar Disc Surgery
Lumbar disc surgery can help treat the pain and disability associated with degenerative disc disease by implanting artificial discs. It is a good option to relieve lower back pain, weakness, numbness, or other symptoms associated with lumbar disc disease.
Therefore, the advantages of lumbar disc replacement surgery include:
- Reduced discogenic backache
- Preserved motion in the affected segment of the lower vertebrae
- Improved functioning of the patient, better life quality
- Quick healing time
- The use of artificial disc technology provides increased spine mobility post-surgery and minimal stress on adjacent discs. There is no need to harvest and use a bone graft as needed in spinal fusion.
Before Lumbar Disc Surgery
To get ready for lumbar disc replacement surgery, the patient needs to undergo a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history. The surgeon may ask the patient to get some medical imaging tests done like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, and even blood tests. This way, the surgeon would get a clear picture of the lumbar region of the spine and would be able to decide whether the patient is a suitable candidate for the surgery.
The pre-operation instructions include:
- Quit smoking
- Take medications or supplements only that the doctor allows
- Avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours before the surgery
- Make arrangements for a recovery period like finding someone to drive back home and for at-home care.
Consult the expert’s doctors at Arete Hospitals, Top Spine Surgery Hospital in Hyderabad for more details.
What Does Lumbar Disc Surgery Involve?
Lumbar disc surgery can be performed in different ways under general anaesthesia while the patient lies on his/her stomach. The Spine Surgery Doctors in Hyderabad discuss with the patient all possible surgical options for lumbar disc replacement and determine which option will be the best based on the patient’s condition, personal goals, and lifestyle. The different types of lumbar disc surgical procedures include:
- Lumbar Discectomy in Hyderabad: It is an operation to fix a herniated or slipped disc or bulging spinal disc that can’t properly cushion and support each vertebra of the lower back. It can be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive surgery that involves making small cuts. The surgery involves the removal of the part or all of a damaged disc that is pressing on a nerve and causing pain or other discomfort.
- Lumbar Microdiscectomy in Hyderabad (microdecompression): It is an operation most effective to relieve pain in the leg than lower back aches. Generally, it is considered to be reliable for instant or near-immediate relief of sciatica from a lumbar herniated disc. This procedure utilises a minimally invasive technique wherein a small cut is made and a tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted through a tube to remove damaged portions of the lumbar disc.
- Lumbar Laminectomy in Hyderabad: It is the surgery usually performed as part of decompression surgery. The operation involves the removal of the vertebral bone called lamina This involves removing part of the back portion of the vertebral bone (lamina). It helps create space by removing bone spurs and inflamed tissues of the spine. It makes the spinal canal enlarged to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Lumbar Fusion in Hyderabad: For cases of instability after the removal of the lumbar disc, fusion surgery might be performed. This surgical procedure involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilise the spine in the lumbar region. The surgeon may use a bone or bone-like material as an implant between two bones of the spine. The bones may be held securely in place using metal plates, screws, or rods. These eventually heal and fuse to form a single bone.
Lumbar disc surgery is performed by a team of surgeons (a vascular surgeon and an orthopaedic or neurosurgeon or Spine Specialist in Hyderabad). Firstly, an incision is made in the backside to access the spine and remove the damaged lumbar disc and place a new artificial disc in its place. This is followed by the closure of incisions.
Good Candidates for Lumbar Disc Surgery
- People who have back aches stemming from only 1-2 lumbar discs
- Non-overweight or non-obese individuals and those who don’t have any serious surgical risks
- Individuals who haven’t undergone any spinal surgeries before
- People without a spinal deformity like scoliosis
- People who do not experience nerve compression or have any significant joint disease.
After Discharge
- Take prescribed painkillers to manage post-operative pain and use ice or heat therapy to reduce any discomfort.
- Go for physical therapy and activities to strengthen the back. Walking is necessary and must be done progressively, starting with short walks several times every day. Use a cane or walker for the first few days to get support for walking.
- Do back bracing for 4-6 weeks to limit motions that can damage the artificial lumbar disc as the operated spine heals.
Cost of Lumbar Disc Surgery in Hyderabad
There are various cost-deciding factors for lumbar disc surgery. These include:
- Hospital factors- insurance (if any), accreditation of the surgical facility, and reputation of the hospital
- Medical team factors- such as type of surgical procedure chosen, anaesthesia costs, expertise/experience of the surgeon, technology used, and extent of surgery required
- Patient factors- such as the diagnosed condition of the lumbar spine of the patient, general health status, room category selected for a hospital stay, and if any other additional treatments required by the patient. For further details on Spine Surgery Cost in Hyderabad, meet the experts at Arete Hospitals.
Effectiveness of Lumbar Disc Surgery
As per FDA, Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery in Hyderabad using an artificial disc has a success rate of more than 90%. This means it is a more effective and reliable surgery in contrast to a lumbar fusion that has a success rate of between 70-90%.
Risks Associated with Lumbar Disc Surgery
As any surgical procedure is associated with some risks, lumbar disc replacement surgery poses some risks too. It is riskier to perform a lumbar disc replacement with an artificial disc as it involves greater access to the spine than in lumbar fusion surgery. Some potential risks include:
- Failure or breakage of the artificial lumbar disc
- Dislodging or dislocation of the replaced lumbar disc
- Infection of the artificial lumbar disc or its surrounding area
- Wearing or loosening of the implant
- Stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) because of fracturing of the spinal bones
- Spinal stiffness or rigidity
- Problems resulting from poorly positioned implant
- Blood clotting in the legs because of reduced activity.
Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before undergoing any type of surgery. For more details consult the professionals at Arete Hospitals, Spine Surgery Treatment Hospital in Hyderabad, India for more details.
1. How long hospital stay is needed after a lumbar disc surgery?
Usually after lumbar disc surgery, the patient needs to wait for 2-4 days to get a discharge. The patient can get back to a normal routine within a few weeks of the surgery and completely recover within a couple of months.
2. How long does an artificial lumbar disc last?
As per the majority of clinical trials, artificial lumbar disc replacement lasts for at least a decade.
3. Do I need physical therapy following lumbar disc replacement surgery?
Yes. You might meet your physical therapist on the same day of the surgery to know about best practices to protect the lower back. For two weeks, you don’t have to follow a complete lumbar disc replacement therapy protocol. Afterwards, you would need to start with a walking program, light stretching, and isometric exercises and then later go on with strengthening exercises for the legs and core muscles.
Visit now at Arete Hospitals for more details to get best Disc Herniation or Slipped disc treatment in Hyderabad performed by expert surgeons and doctors.
