Microscopic Discectomy
A lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive operation that involves using a surgical microscope and microsurgical techniques to access and treat the lumbar spine by removing part of a herniated disc or disc fragments to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord. In the same fashion, a cervical microdiscectomy is the same procedure to remove a portion of a damaged disc in the cervical spine (neck).
The most common spinal condition treated with a microdiscectomy procedure is a disc herniation since it applies pressure on one or more nerve roots causing back pain, weakness, and numbness.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. In order for the surgeon to access the spine, a channel is created through the muscles of the back using a minimally invasive approach.
An opening to the spinal canal is created by removing a small portion of the bone (laminectomy). Once the herniated disc is visualized, the disc fragment is dissected and removed using microsurgical techniques.
This procedure alleviates the pressure on the compressed nerve that causes pain. The objective is not to remove only the herniated part of the disc that compresses the exiting spinal nerve.
Cervical Microdiscectomy
There is no difference in a lumbar procedure. The cervical microdiscectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The spine surgeon uses tubular dilators to gently create space through the muscles of the neck. Then, he/she will remove a small portion of the lamina and facet joint (laminoforaminotomy) to expose the herniated disc and the compromised nerve. Through microsurgical tools, the surgeon will then remove the portion of the disc that compresses the nerve.
Our Spine Surgeons have been performing microdiscectomy procedures for years in Boca Raton. For a preferred specialist in Boca Raton, call 561-549-9090.