Microdiscectomy Specialist
-
- Tweet
Ventura Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery located in Midtown, Ventura, CA
If you suffer from persistent back pain due to a herniated disc, a microdiscectomy may be the solution. David Westra, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon, and Michael Dorsi, MD, at Ventura Neurosurgery, in Ventura, California, have extensive experience performing minimally invasive spine surgeries like microdiscectomy. To find out if a microdiscectomy is right for you, call or book an appointment online today.
Microdiscectomy Q&A
What is a microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy is a type of minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery. The team at Ventura Neurosurgery uses MIS techniques whenever possible to ensure an optimal recovery for you.
During a microdiscectomy procedure, your neurosurgeon trims a herniated disc to prevent the leaking material from pressing on a spinal nerve. They use specialized instruments, such as an endoscope and tubular retractor, to view and access the damaged disc without cutting through muscles.
What does a microdiscectomy treat?
Microdiscectomy is a treatment for a herniated disc in your lower back or neck. A herniated disc that presses on a spinal nerve can cause lower back or neck pain that may be severe.
The team at Ventura Neurosurgery takes a conservative approach to treatment and only recommends surgery when other therapies have failed to improve your pain and symptoms.
What does a microdiscectomy entail?
The team at Ventura Neurosurgery may perform microdiscectomy surgery as an outpatient procedure, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital. A microdiscectomy usually requires general anesthesia.
During the procedure, your neurosurgeon makes one or more small incisions in your lower back or neck. They insert a thin tube, called a tubular retractor, into the incision. The tube dilates your muscles and other soft tissues so your neurosurgeon can access the vertebrae, discs, and spinal nerves beneath them.
They may also insert an endoscope or focus a microscope down the tube to assist with the surgery. They insert tiny surgical tools to trim the herniated disc. After that, they remove the tubular retractor, and the dilated tissues come back together.
What is the recovery like after a microdiscectomy?
Because a microdiscectomy is minimally invasive, recovery is faster and easier than open spine surgeries. However, a postoperative rehabilitation plan is still an essential part of your recovery. The team at Ventura Neurosurgery may start you on a physical and/or occupational therapy plan immediately after surgery.
You may need to reduce your workload or take time off for 1-2 weeks after surgery. You should also avoid driving, sitting for long periods, heavy lifting, and bending over during your recovery.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for a microdiscectomy, call Ventura Neurosurgery, or book an appointment online today.
