Small-Incision Back Surgery Speeds Healing
Partners
Imaging having back surgery and going home from the hospital the same day. It's a reality, because small-incision back surgery is now available at Condell Medical Center.
The new procedure is called minimally-invasive lumbar microdiskectomy and uses a surgical incision, or cut, that is much shorter than in conventional back surgery. As with traditional lumbar diskectomy, the operation removes the herniated (protruding or ruptured) part of a disk in the lower back that is putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots.
In traditional diskectomy, the spine surgeon makes an incision that is up to 5 inches long. With microdiskectomy, spine surgeons can treat herniated disks or fix narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) through tiny incisions – about 1 inch long, said Jonathan Citow, MD, chief neurosurgeon of Condell.
Fast recovery
“Patients have a faster recovery, and there is a very low complication rate,” Dr. Citow said.
With microdiskectomy, patients have less postoperative pain and bleeding, and scars are smaller. They also have less chance of muscle injury ocurring during surgery. Most patients can leave the hospital the same day.
Small incisions are possible with the use of new surgical tools such as small tube (METRx) retractors. These devices draw back the tissues and leave room for insertion of the surgical instruments while lighting the surgical area. They allow the surgeon high precision.
Good results
Studies show that the success rate of microdiskectomy is quite high more than 90 percent. Most patients have pain relief and improved function after the surgery.
Dr. Citow said. Many patients return to work in a few days.
Patients are amazed at the substantial pain relief and quick recovery, according to Dr. Citow.
Microdiskectomy may be an option when initial conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, fail to relieve back pain.
Anyone with lumbar disk herniation or stenosis is a candidate for microdiskectomy.
Not every spine surgeon performs microdiskectomy. To locate a spine surgeon at Condell, visit www.condell.org/physicians or call our Physician Referral coordinator at (847) 990-5610.
“Patients have a faster recovery, any there is a very low complication rate.”
Do I Need Back Surgery?
About 80 percent of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. It can occur anywhere along the spine, but the most likely spot is the lower back.
Most back problems can be treated successfully using medication, physical therapy, injections (such as cortisone) and or acupuncture, according to orthopedic surgeon Marvin Primack, MD, whose surgical expertise is the lumbar spine (lower back).
Part of the problem is that today's lifestyle often includes long periods of sitting and slouching. Poor posture causes your weight to shift forward in the chair and increases stress on the soft tissue, joints and discs, which in turn, can create muscle tension and pain in the lower back and legs.
“My greatest challenge is determining the few who really need surgery, and then choosing the proper procedure for the patient,” Dr. Primack said “An accurate diagnosis requires listening very carefully as patients describe their pain and symptoms.”
Back surgery is largely the option of last resort, chosen when continued pain and disability loom larger than the risks of the surgery. It can be a good choice. Dr. Primack says, “for the right patient and the right reasons, if you have exhausted all other treatment options.”
When back pain is an emergency
See a doctor immediately if back pain:
– Occurs with a high fever (temperature of 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) for more than 48 hours.
– Increases with rest
– Causes weakness, tingling or numbness in one or both legs
– Is the result of a sudden fall or blow to your back
– Is associated with abdominal pain or a throbbing feeling
– Causes sudden bowel and/or bladder incontinence
[Photo: Jonathan Citow, MD, chief neurosurgeon at Condell, performs minimally invasive lumbar microdiskectomy, a same day back operation.]