Lumbar diskectomy is surgery to remove all or part of a cushion or shock absorber (also known as an intervertebral disk) that:

• Separates the bones in the lower back (lumbar vertebrae)
• Helps protect the spinal column

In some cases, a lumbar diskectomy can be performed using a microscope that is inserted through a small incision (microdiskectomy). Prior to removing the intervertebral disk, the surgeon may also:

• Increase the size of the opening that the nerves pass through (foraminotomy)
• Remove part of one or more vertebrae (laminectomy)
• Join two or more lumbar vertebrae (fusion)

Even without intervention, most episodes of back pain will usually resolve within six to eight weeks. If one of the disks in your spine has moved out of place and is putting pressure on other structures (a herniated disk) it can cause:

• Low back pain
• Leg pain, numbness and muscle weakness

To help ease these symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend medication and physical therapy.

• Many people respond well to these conservative treatments.
• In some cases, conservative treatments can help you avoid surgery.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a lumbar diskectomy if your symptoms:

• Are severe
• Do not respond to nonsurgical treatment
• Cause problems with your daily life and work

Prior to surgery, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before surgery. These may include:

• Medications you should not take before surgery, such as blood thinners or aspirin
• Regular medications you should continue to take on the day of your surgery
• How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before surgery
• How to prepare your home for your return after you are discharged
• Meeting with a physical therapist to learn how to use a back brace and walk with crutches

If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking, as it can interfere with your recovery.

During the surgery you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain free.

• General anesthesia, the most common type of anesthesia for a lumbar diskectomy, is where you are put into a deep sleep and are unable to see, hear or feel anything.
• Spinal anesthesia, which may be used during a microdiskectomy, is when a numbing medication is injected in your back and a relaxing medication in your intravenous line. You will be awake during surgery, but will not feel anything below your waist).

A lumbar diskectomy typically takes a few hours. Many patients spend a few days in the hospital after this surgery. However, depending on the nature of your specific condition and health, your doctor may feel that your surgery may be safely done as an outpatient.

• If you have a microdiskectomy, you may be discharged the same day.
• You may have to wear a back brace or cast for a period of time.
• Physical therapy is often recommended for several weeks after back surgery. This is to help increase your strength and mobility.
• You may also need pain medication and help at home while you recover.
• It may take from a few weeks to a few months before you are back to your normal activity level.

Do not forget to make arrangements for transportation to and from the facility and help at home.

What should I ask my healthcare provider before having a lumbar diskectomy?

• What is my diagnosis and reason for the surgery? Are there any less invasive treatments or procedures? If so, what kind?
• Will you be doing any other procedures with the diskectomy?
• What are the pros and cons of the surgery?
• What kind of sedation will I have? What are the possible side effects?
• How will this surgery affect my daily life?
• What are the possible complications to the surgery?
• What are the chances the surgery will improve my symptoms?
• How many diskectomies have you performed? What is your success rate?
• Do you perform outpatient lumbar diskectomies? Is outpatient surgery an option for me?
• What type of recovery should I expect and how long will it take?
• If your healthcare provider wants you to take a medication, ask if an over-the-counter product is right for you.
• If your healthcare provider prescribes a medication for you, ask for a generic version. If your doctor thinks that a generic version is not right for you, ask for a medication on the lowest available tier of your Prescription Drug List (PDL).

After your surgery, you should know what you had done, what medication was given, and what symptoms you should report to your healthcare provider. You should also understand all home care instructions (including medications and side effects) and follow-up plans. Your surgeon should also let your primary care physician know the details of your surgery and treatment plan.

Source UHC.com

Also known as:

Surgery on Back

Removal of Disk

Pain in Back

Herniated Disk

Diskectomy

Discectomy

Back Surgery

Back Pain - Lumbar Diskectomy - Outpatient

Back Pain