Discectomy
A discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove some part or complete part of an intervertebral disk in the spine. To explain further, intervertebral disks are like flat, round cushions that are placed between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine and work as spine shock absorbers. Each disk has a soft, gel-like centre called nucleus pulposus, surrounded by a flexible outer ring called annulus. Importantly, intervertebral disks are under regular pressure. As a result, a disk can tear, allowing some of the nucleus gel substances that come out through leaking. This condition is known as a herniated disk, also known as bulging, slipped, or ruptured disk. Consequently, this is the main reason that leads to performing a discectomy.
In most cases, herniated disks mostly affect the lower back called the lumbar spine, but in addition, they also affect the neck called cervical spine too. However, a rare place where herniated disks are seen is the middle back.
A discectomy in India, also spelled as diskectomy.
Types of Diskectomy
Diskectomies are of different types. Here will understand the types of Discectomy depending on the surgical approach and location:
Open or standard Discectomy (SD): This is a type of traditional method where the surgeon will make a large incision and move back the muscles to the side so they have direct access to the area and operate the disk.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) Diskectomy: The surgeon makes a small skin incision and then uses a larger tube called dilators to tunnel through the muscles. Special instrument called an endoscope is programmed to help the surgeon see and operate in a smaller space. Some other versions of the surgery are the same as the micro endoscopic Discectomy and full endoscopic Discectomy.
Anterior cervical Discectomy and fusion: This surgery is meant for the neck called the cervical spine. The surgeon removes the damaged disk from the front anterior of the neck and follows it with a spinal fusion. Spinal fusion stands for placing a bone graft or implant the disk at the correct position as it was before. This provides stability and strength to the neck.
Reasons to have Discectomy
A herniated disk is one of the main reasons to perform the Diskectomy. But yes, not everyone is advised for the surgery. Some people with herniated disks can also be treated with non surgical treatments such as NSAIDs or physical therapy, and medication. But if the pain does not let you sleep, or the non surgical treatment fails to relieve the symptoms than the doctor may suggest Discectomy in case of herniated disk and some more reasons include:
- Pain that follows to the buttocks or legs
- Severe weakness in the arm, lower leg or buttocks
- Severe leg or arm pain or numbness
Procedure of Discectomy
Before starting the procedure the general anesthesia is given to the patient so that the patient is in a deep sleep state and doesn't feel any pain while performing the surgery.
Now, for an open diskectomy the surgeon will make an incision about 1 to 2 inches on the skin in the middle of the back over the affected area. Directly removing the overlying muscles after getting access to the spine.
For a minimally invasive lumbar discectomy, the surgeon uses a special X ray called fluoroscopy to pass the very thin needle through the skin to find out the exact affected vertebrae and disk. The small incision is made near the midline of the neck.
Therefore, the surgeon uses a special kind of instrument tool to remove all or part of the herniated disk.
Lastly, After the disk or performing the fusion the surgeon closes the incision by attaching the muscles and skin back together.
Risk and complications of discectomy
Some of the risk and complications of Discectomy include:
- Blood clots
- Side effects of anesthesia
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Damage to the nerve
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
Some other complications include:
- No improvement in the pain or symptoms
- Need of another surgery due to unstable spine
- Return of the herniated disk that require the surgery again
Cost of discectomy in India
The cost of discectomy in India is less and affordable compared to other western countries. In fact, India is among the top leading countries to provide the most efficient advanced treatment.
However, the total cost of the treatment may vary depending on various factors, such as the choice of hospital, the length of stay at the hospital, the expertise of the surgeon, the type of surgery, the components used in the surgery, and more.
Summary
A discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove some part or complete part of an intervertebral disk in the spine.
This condition is known as a herniated disk, also known as bulging, slipped, or ruptured disk. Consequently, this is the main reason that leads to performing a discectomy.
