Lumbar discopathy

Operational treatment of lumbar discopathy by microdiscectomy

What the procedure entails

The procedure entails the removal of a part of the intervertebral disc in order to relieve the stress on a compressed root or roots of spine nerves. With the patient prone, an incision of a few centimetres is made at the level of the disc operated on. After the layers of muscles are removed from the spine along a short section, a window is made between the vertebral arches, and, after the dural sac is removed with the medial nerves, the protruding part of the disc is removed or reduced.

Standard length of stay at the clinic

Two days

Anaesthesia type

General endotracheal anaesthesia

How to prepare for the treatment

Basic blood test: blood type and Rh factor, blood properties, basic biochemical examination (sodium, potassium, urea, creatinin, glucose), clotting system (APTT, INR), ECG, general x-ray image of the chest. Other tests or specialist consultations depending on the current condition of the patient, their fundamental disease and co-existing diseases (e. g. level of specific hormones, general urine test, cardiological consultation). The consultation with the anaesthesiologist is carried out a few days before the operation, upon request of the head doctor, or, if no such need, on the day of admission to the clinic.

Recovery and recommendations

The healing period of the disc following treatment takes ca. four to six weeks. During this time, the ill should not burden the spine, bend over to lean and make twisting motions with the upper body. In addition, one should avoid sitting down.