Pain in the lumbar spine is one of the most common health problems these days due to a sedentary lifestyle. While rehabilitation may help with pain caused by strain, injuries to the lower spine require surgical treatment. At enel-sport, we perform microdiscectomies using a microscope or an endoscope.

The main indication for performing a microdiscectomy of the lumbar spine is pressure of the intervertebral disc on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Symptoms include:

• sensory disturbances;
• lower back pain radiating to the leg;
• paresis of the lower limb.

Lumbar spine microdiscectomy involves the removal of a herniated disc that presses on the spinal cord or spinal nerves.

The decision to perform lumbar microdiscectomy is made by a neurosurgeon on the basis of an MRI. The doctor may order additional imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan.

Once the patient has been cleared for the procedure by a neurosurgeon and has consulted with an anaesthetist, the procedure is performed in an operating room under general anaesthesia.

The surgeon enters the patient’s spine through the abdominal cavity (the so-called ALIF method). The

There are two ways to perform a microdiscectomy:

• using a microscope – the surgeon uses it to view the lumbar spine, and the operation itself is performed with the use of micro-tools;
• using an endoscope – the surgeon introduces a tiny camera into the spine, which allows precise examination of the structure of the spine, and the operation itself is performed with the use of micro scissors and diamond drills, which allow cutting the bones without the risk of damaging nerve structures.

During the procedure the patient is placed on his stomach. Using one of the methods above, the enel-sport neurosurgeon removes part of the disc pressing on the nerve or spinal cord, and then performs a visual inspection to ensure that there are no additional disc fragments that could compromise patient comfort.

Lumbar microdiscectomy takes about an hour. Depending on the chosen method, skin incisions with a diameter of two to five centimetres are left behind on the patient’s body. This procedure does not compromise the stability of the spine.

After the microdiscectomy is performed, the patient must stay in the postoperative ward for at least one day. During this time the patient undergoes observation, but also begins rehabilitation. A qualified physiotherapist or nurse will help you sit up on the bed and get up within one day after the procedure. Remember: under no circumstances should you try to get up and out of bed alone!

Rehabilitation after lumbar microdiscectomy is necessary to achieve a full effect. The physiotherapist instructs the patient on basic isometric exercises, and the rehabilitation process itself is conducted under his supervision. Rehabilitation after endoscopic surgery is faster than after microscopic surgery.

Depending on the chosen method of surgery, it takes 4 to 8 weeks to return to full activity.

The procedure performed with the use of a microscope or an endoscope significantly speeds up the recovery process. Contrary to classic spinal surgery, which requires opening the spine, the patient can return to full activity within 4 to 8 weeks.

The procedure itself, apart from being minimally invasive, does not cause any bleeding, and the scar after the incision on the spine is small. Therefore, the patient also receives a lower dose of painkillers.

The most important advantage of lumbar microdiscectomy, however, is the reduction of pain and pressure on the spine immediately after the procedure.

The operation can only be performed by the most experienced neurosurgeons with appropriate training and experience in the use of the latest techniques.