microsurgical discectomy
microsurgical discectomy
Surgery of a herniated intervertebral disc without prior exploration of the vertebral body, which reduces the risk of failed disc syndrome as there is minimal excision of bone and epidural fat and minimal nerve root adhesion.Indications
Cauda equina syndrome, herniated lumbar disc, sciatica due to herniated disc.
Pros
Less soft-tissue trauma, shorter hospital stay; may be performed as outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia.
Cons
86% success rate for relief of leg pain (vs up to 98% for standard laminotomy-discectomy).
Potential complications
Dural tears, nerve root damage, reherniation of same disc, residual disc fragments with persistent pain.