Surgery for the treatment of herniated, dorsal, lumbar or cervical hernias is indicated in cases where there has been no improvement in symptoms of pain and discomfort, even with drug and physiotherapy treatment, or when there are signs of loss of strength or tenderness.This is because there are some risks associated with this procedure, such as limiting spinal movement or infection, for example.
The type of surgery can vary, with the traditional opening of the skin to reach the spine, or with the use of newer and less invasive techniques, using a microscope for example, recovery may vary depending on the injury and technique used, and as a result, physical rehabilitation helps improve symptoms and causes the patient to return to their daily activities more quickly.
- The type of surgery may vary depending on the location of the hernia.
- The technique available in the hospital or the needs of each patient.
- Being determined by the orthopedist or neurosurgeon.
- The main types are:.
This is done by opening the skin, with a cut, to reach the spine.The choice of where to access the spine is based on the closest location to reach the disc, which can be from the front, as is common in cervical, lateral or posterior hernia, as is common in lumbar hernia.
This is done with access to the skin to reach the injured area.The choice of where to access the spine is based on the orthopedic surgeon’s injury and experience.
This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and the damaged intervertebral disc can be removed, partially or completely, then a material can be used to join the two vertebrae or an artificial material can be used to replace the removed disc.The time of surgery varies, depending on the location and location of each person’s hernia, but lasts approximately 2 hours.
Minimally invasive surgery uses new techniques that allow for smaller opening of the skin, allowing for less movement of structures around the spine, faster surgical time, and a lower risk of complications, such as bleeding.infections.
The main techniques used are
Minimally invasive surgery can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation, lasting approximately 1 hour or less. During surgery, a radiofrequency or laser device may be used to remove the herniary part of the disc and, for this reason, this type of surgery is also known as laser surgery.
Herniated disc surgery may present some complications, but the risk is very low, mainly due to increasingly modern techniques and devices that have been used. The main complications that can occur are:
Because of these risks, surgery is reserved for people with unbearable symptoms or in the absence of improvement with other forms of treatment of herniated disk.Find out what treatment and physiotherapy options are available for herniated lumbar discs and herniated cervical discs.
Postoperative surgery varies, and hospital stay is about 2 days in minimally invasive surgery and can reach 5 days in conventional surgery.
The ability to perform activities such as driving or returning to work is also faster in minimally invasive surgery. In traditional surgery, returning to work requires a longer rest period. More intense activities, such as physical exercise, are only released after the surgeon has been evaluated and symptoms improve.
Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your doctor should be used during the recovery period to relieve pain.Rehabilitation physiotherapy should also be initiated, with techniques that help regain movement and maintain good posture.Learn what precautions to take after spine surgery.to accelerate postoperative recovery.
Watch the video below and discover other tips that can help you recover: