Micro Endoscopic Discectomy-MED
What is Micro Endoscopic Discectomy (MED)?
Discectomy is a surgical procedure which removes a herniated disc that compresses a nerve root causing neurologic injury with back and leg pain.
It is usually performed on patients with persistent leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that has failed to improve with non operative treatment. Now performed with minimally invasive spine, (MIS) techniques utilizing small 20 mm incisions (microedoscopic discectomy, MED). The procedure involves removing the herniated fragment of disc and any other compressive lesions through a tubular retractor.
Its performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients usually have improvement in pain, return to work in 1-2 days, and resume pre-injury activity levels within 6-8 weeks.
Who is a candidate for MED?
Most patients with herniated discs experience back and or leg pain that improves with non-operative treatment over 6-12 weeks. A small percentage (10-20%) may have persistent disabling pain despite these efforts or severe pain or neurologic injury necessitating surgical management. The ideal candidate has characteristic “radicular” leg pain (sciatica), a positive straight leg, and a corresponding herniated disc on MRI.
The decision to undergo surgical treatment is a personal decision that should be based on objective medical science and careful benefit risk analysis that is unique to each patient. An experienced fellowship trained spine surgeon at “Centre of excellence in spine surgery” Lilavati , Bandra can determine if you are a candidate based following a detailed history, physical examination, and imaging review (Xray and MRI).
What is involved in MED?
Microendoscopic discectomy is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. It usually takes 45-60 minutes and involves a small incision (20 mm) through an endoscopic approach with a tubular retractor.
A small portion of bone and ligament is removed to allow exposure of the herniated disc and affected nerve root. Using magnification loupes or a microscope the disc fragment and any other compressive lesion (bony spurs, thickened ligaments) are removed and the nerve inspected and any adhesions released. Patients are discharged home the same day and usually return to work in 5-10 days and normal unrestricted activities in 8-12 weeks.
What are the pros and cons of MED?
Microendoscopic discectomy is a very successful procedure. When performed on properly selected patients. 90-95% of patients feel better and many return to pre-injury level of activity. The risks of surgery include but are not limited to infection, dural tear (resulting in leaking of clear spinal fluid), neurologic injury, recurrent disc herniation, and chronic back or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. In addition there are potential medical risks for anyone undergoing general anesthesia which may necessitate a preoperative medical evaluation.
For more discussion regarding your neck pain / back pain / sciatica reach out to us on +918657500555.
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