Here are the facts re a microdiscectomy -

Posted on: November 23, 2017 at 08:48:24 CT

The first type of spine surgery that became commonly performed as an outpatient procedure is the lumbar discectomy. This surgery is performed to removed the herniated portion of the lumbar disc.

LMD usually takes 1 to 2 hours. However, it may take longer if you have scar tissue from previous surgeries, or certain other factors. Your surgeon will give you a rough idea, but may not know until the surgery is in progress. LMD is a very effective operation to relieve leg pain from a disc herniation.

Though the success rate of this type of procedure is usually 90 percent or higher, there are chances for complications, which include dural tears, nerve root damage, bladder incontinence or bleeding. Most of the time, however, the operation is safe, effective, and rarely results in recurrent herniated discs.

Mobilization and Exercise after a Microdiscectomy Surgery. The traditional approach to recovery after a microdiscectomy back surgery has been to limit bending, lifting, or twisting for six weeks to prevent a recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

Patients may return to light work duties as early as 1-2 weeks after surgery, depending on when the surgical pain has subsided. Patients may return to heavy work and sports as early as 4-6 weeks after surgery, if the surgical pain has subsided and the back strength has returned appropriately with physical therapy.