Pronounced: Inter-VERT-e-bral disc-ECT-omy
Intervertebral discs are located between each backbone (vertebra). When damaged, these discs can put pressure on nerves as they leave the spinal cord. An intervertebral diskectomy is a back surgery that removes all or part of these discs. The procedure is most often done on lumbar discs (located in the lower back). It may also be done on cervical discs in the neck. There are two methods for this surgery:
These discs normally serve as cushions between the bones. The discs can become damaged or dry with age. Injury can also cause a disc to bulge (or herniate ). These changes can create pressure on nerves leaving the spine. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
The best time to have this surgery is debatable. This is because—for some patients—having early surgery may not result in less pain or disability. In most cases, surgery is only done after other treatments have failed. Other treatments typically include:
The goal of surgery is to eliminate pain, weakness, and numbness caused by the disc pressing on a nerve. You may feel relief right away, or it may take months for the nerve root to heal. In some cases, your symptoms may not improve. Your doctor will carefully evaluate you before surgery to determine what the best option is.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have intervertebral diskectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery.
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep during surgery.
There are different types of surgical procedures, including:
A cut will be made in the skin on the left or right side of the neck. The doctor will go through a muscle to reach the spine. The disc material will be removed after the doctor uses an x-ray to confirm that it is the correct disc. A portion of the bone may be removed to give the nerve more space. A bone graft may be placed to fuse the vertebrae.
A cut will be made in the skin at the back of the neck. The muscles will be pushed aside. A small piece of bone will be removed to get to the disc space (laminectomy ). Next, the doctor will gently push the nerve aside and remove the disc material.
The doctor will make a 1-1½ inch cut in the skin on the lower back. The muscles will be moved out of the way. A small part of the bone may need to be removed to gain access to the nerve and disc. The disc or disc fragments will then be removed.
This depends on:
For example, the minimally invasive surgery may take longer, but the recovery is faster.
You will have pain while recovering. Your doctor will give you pain medicine.
This surgery is most commonly done in a hospital setting. It may be possible to go home on the same day of the surgery. If you have a cervical diskectomy, you may have to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Follow your doctor’s instructions. Bending, lifting, or twisting may be limited for six weeks. You will work with a physical therapist to stretch and strengthen your muscles. This will help to decrease the risk of future back problems.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
North American Spine Society
http://www.spine.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian/American Spinal Research Organization
http://www.csro.com/
Spinal Injury Foundation
http://www.spinalinjuryfoundation.org/
References:
Bach HG, Lim RD. Minimally invasive spine surgery for low back pain. Dis Mon. 2005;51:34-57.
Canale S. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 10th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2003.
Lavelle W, Carl A, Lavelle ED. Invasive and minimally invasive surgical techniques for back pain conditions. Anesthesiol Clin. 2007;25:899-911.
Treatment options: low back (lumbar). University of Southern California, Department of Neurological Surgery website. Available at: http://www.usc.edu/schools/medicine/departments/neurological_surgery/clinical/spina/treatmentoptions-lumbar.htm. Accessed September 8, 2009.
Treatment options: neck (cervical). University of Southern California website. Available at: http://www.usc.edu/schools/medicine/departments/neurological_surgery/clinical/spina/treatmentoptions-cervical.htm. Accessed September 8, 2009.
6/7/2007 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Peul WC, van Houwelingen HC, van den Hout WB, et al. Surgery versus prolonged conservative treatment for sciatica. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:2245-2256.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.