Discectomy surgery is a type of surgical procedure that aims to treat herniated discs that are causing nerve compression and cannot be treated with non-surgical treatments. A herniated disc is a common condition among older people irrespective of their gender, race, and ethnicity. Every year, thousands of people worldwide, including Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda, visit India for their Discectomy procedure.
The main reason for choosing India over other countries is the cost. India offers the cheapest discectomy surgeries that also match global medical standards. When you choose India for your discectomy procedure, you can access some of the most talented and globally renowned orthopaedic surgeons. You will also be assured that you will get the best treatment as the hospitals offer cutting-edge infrastructure, ultra-modern equipment and trained medical staff for quality support and care throughout the treatment.
Lumbar discectomy surgery is a surgical procedure that helps to treat herniated discs, which are causing nerve and spinal compression, resulting in prolonged and severe pain in the back and leg. Discectomy can help to remove partial or complete herniated discs and resolve the cause of nerve compression and other problems associated with it. However, discectomy is preserved chiefly for severe cases. So, it would be wise to know the common causes of performing a discectomy, especially if you plan to have a discectomy or your healthcare provider suggests it. Below, we will discuss some of the most common causes of performing a discectomy surgery-
Remember that when your doctor recommends you get a discectomy and one or more of the abovementioned indications match your condition, you must not delay and opt for the best discectomy surgeon. It will help you prevent further damage and regain spinal mobility and strength. However, you should have a detailed consultation about why you should do it, whether alternative treatments are available, what to expect before and after the surgery and the success rate. This will help you make informed decisions.
Even though discectomy has minimally invasive methods, it is still a major surgery. Also, discectomy surgery has several types depending on the operation method and location of the procedure. Below, we will discuss the types in detail-
As the name suggests, minimally invasive discectomy or MIS uses a minimal invasion method where the surgeon makes a small keyhole incision on the skin surface of the affected area. They insert a series of larger tubes through this incision to tunnel through the muscles. They also use an endoscope or laparoscope to watch the inside of the incision and smoothly operate in small spaces. The minimally invasive discectomy can be divided into microendoscopic discectomy or MED and Full Endoscopic Discectomy or FED.
Another common type of discectomy is open or standard discectomy. It is also known as the conventional discectomy, in which the doctor uses a large incision that opens inside and operates the affected area. The surgeon directly views the herniated disc in this procedure for operation and treatment.
Lastly, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDAF) is also a type of discectomy used to treat the cervical spine or neck. In this procedure, the surgeon uses the front aspect method to access the cervical spine. After that, they reach the damaged disc of the cervical spine from the front or anterior of your neck. Then, they use special equipment to remove the affected disc, followed by a fusion procedure (also known as spinal fusion). Fusion or spinal fusion refers to placing a bone graft or implant in the place of a removed disc (affected or herniated). It helps to improve spine strength and stability.
There are also other divisions of the discectomy, such as bilateral discectomy, partial discectomy, Spinal discectomy procedure, etc. Depending on the condition it treats.
Remember, depending on the condition of your spine, your doctors can recommend a partial or complete disc removal. Depending on the affected area and severity of your spine condition, they may also suggest single-level or multiple-level disc removal.
Discectomy is a surgical procedure of the spine and sometimes cervical spine. It can be performed using open and minimally invasive methods, depending on the treatment location and the type of condition it treats. As a result, the procedure can vary from one to another depending on the kind of discectomy procedure you are going to get. For example, the open or conservative discectomy method differs from that used for minimally invasive discectomy. Talking to your expert surgeon will help you get details of your discectomy procedure. Below, we will discuss the general discectomy procedure-
In the beginning, the anesthesiologist will give you general anaesthesia for mild sedation to make you fall asleep during the operation. Your doctor may attach an IV to your veins if it's an open procedure to supply essential fluids and drugs to your body during the procedure.
Depending on the type of discectomy surgery, the expert surgeon will make an incision on the affected. For instance, in open surgery, they will make a large incision to open the inside out to access the spine disc to operate. On the other hand, in a minimally invasive procedure, the doctor will make small incisions on the affected area's skin to insert the endoscope (guide with inside pictures) and microsurgery tools to operate.
At the end of the procedure, the doctor will close the wound with stitches, surgical glue or bandage, cotton and medicine, depending on the incision size.
Discectomy surgery is a significant procedure, even if it is done with a minimally invasive method. So, maintaining proper aftercare is essential to have a successful and safe recovery. Here are some simple aftercare tips for discectomy-
Discectomy surgery recovery time is different for each case. Most people can return home on the same day as the surgery. And resume daily activities once the anaesthetic wears off and the pain disappears. While others may need 1 to 2 days stay in the hospital. Usually, people can work after 2-4 weeks. However, physically demanding jobs cannot be resumed during this time. One can resume strenuous activities after healing, which can take 8-12 months. Consult with your surgeon for a more personalised recovery program after the procedure.
A discectomy for a herniated disc is usually covered by health insurance in India if it is medically ordered. However, every health policy is different and not all can provide similar coverage for the procedure. Some policies can provide partial coverage, while others can cover related charges. The coverage mainly depends on the policy type and its terms and conditions. Consult your healthcare and insurance provider to know whether your health insurance policy can cover your surgery. And if so, how much coverage will you get for the procedure?
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