Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Endoscopic Discectomy is a minimally invasive, out-patient procedure to remove a portion of a damaged spinal disc. 

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Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) and a small metal tube, the size of a pencil, is inserted through the skin in to the spinal column. This serves as a passage for an endoscopic camera that allows the doctor live visualization of the damaged disc. With this access, portions of the disc can then be removed alleviating any pressure or pinching of nerves the disc may have caused.

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You may be a candidate for discectomy if your symptoms include pain, numbness, or weakness of the back and/or legs which have been confirmed by an MRI or CT that shows a disc or ligaments pinching your nerves.

 

Endoscopic Discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure with very little blood loss, tissue damage or scar formation. It has a recovery period that is variable depending on the extent of tissue removal that needs to be done. Expect to be sore in the back and or the legs for 1-2 weeks and then to have limitations the doctor will require of you for a month (see instructions below). This is a disc operation thus pain will occur, please plan accordingly to expect this and also have thing organized in your house to make the painful time easier for you.

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Discectomy is generally a safe procedure yet, as with any interventional procedure, it carries a small risk of potential complications such as bleeding, infection, spinal headache, and injury to blood vessels or nerves around the spine.

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Please understand this is a surgery and soreness from healing is normal, even for weeks after the surgery. 

 

Endoscopic Discectomy - Post Operative Instructions

Post Anesthesia:

If you received anesthesia/sedation for the remainder of the day you so you should NOT make critical decisions or sign any legal documents. You should NOT consume alcohol. You should NOT drive or operate heavy machinery.

 

Medications:

You may be prescribed a post-operative medications, if so take as instructed. If you are on a blood thinner speak with your doctor about when to resume.

 

Incision Care:

If there is a dressing, you may remove it 24 hours after surgery BEFORE your shower. If surgical glue is used expect it will slowly peel off within 14 days. Please call us with any changes or concerns such as: redness, swelling or drainage at incision site, or temperature greater than 101°. (Clear liquid drainage in the first 24 hours is normal) .

 

Bathing:
You may shower after you remove your dressing on the morning after surgery; avoid scrubbing the incision site for the first 5 days. No baths or swimming until approved by the physician or physician assistant at your follow up appointment.

 

Restrictions:

No sitting upright for the first 7 days after surgery' a recliner is allowed. IF a brace was ordered for you, it is to be worn when up and walking, it is not required when sitting, lying or sleeping.

 

For 1 month after surgery:

• No leaning over (use a stick grabber if needed)

• No strenuous activity

• No lifting greater than 10 lbs

Exercise:

Increase your light activity each day, such as walking, as tolerated.

 

Diet:

Eat a healthy diet to promote healing.

 

Smoking:

No smoking. Smoking can affect the rate of bone and skin healing needed to heal from this surgery.

 

Driving:

You may drive 14 days after the procedure if you feel okay to do so. Do not drive if you are taking pain medications.

 

Follow-Up: You will have a post-operative appointment approximately 14 days after surgery. If you have not already made your follow-up appointment, call your surgeons office to make one.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office triage line at 734-547-4850. If it is AFTER HOURS call the answering service at 734-572-7418.

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