Discectomy
The tough outer layer of a disc tears or weakens, causing pain going down the leg (sciatica) although it can cause some back pain.
Possible Complications
General Risks
Surgery does carry with it the general risks associated with having an anaesthetic. These will depend to some degree upon your age, your general state of health and any other specific medical problems that affect you. These risks are low but should not be ignored and it must always be remembered that some complications, although rare, can be very serious and certain unforeseen circumstances can even lead to death. However, clinical experience and many studies show us that these risks are very unusual and for the vast majority of patients surgery proceeds entirely uneventfully. If you have concerns about your specific risks or feel any issues have not been answered please feel free to ask at any stage.
The Risks of Discectomy
The specific risks of having a discectomy include a small risk of additional damage to the nerve roots at the level of the surgery. In some instances the nerve roots affected by the disc protrusion may have been so badly affected that the act of exposing and moving the nerve roots sufficiently to remove the disc protrusion can be 'the last straw' and cause some nerve injury. The possible consequences of this could include continuing leg pain, numbness or altered sensation, muscle weakness and even (very rarely) impairment of bowel and bladder control. Bear in mind, however, that not having surgery may have similar consequences due to continuing compression of the nerve roots.
The nerves in the lower spine are covered in a gossamer thin skin called the dura. There is a small chance that this may be torn during the surgery, particularly if it has become stuck to the disc or other structures due to inflammation. It is a little like trying to peel an overcooked sausage off a frying pan. A tear of the dura is not particularly serious in itself and sometimes it can simply be repaired. However, if a tear occurs you may be asked to remain on flat bed rest for a few days after the surgery to allow the tear to heal.
Some scar tissue formation (or 'fibrosis') around the nerve root is inevitable. The amount varies from one individual to another, but it does not usually cause any problems. Careful surgical technique is important. Mr Boeree will use a barrier gel which has been shown to keep the formation of scar tissue around the nerve roots to a minimum.
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In memory of Nick Boeree
Following the sudden death of Nick Boeree we have set up a tribute page to allow you to share your memories, thoughts, and feelings. Click here.
I was quite sure, when I came along to the clinic, that I was headed for surgery. I’d tried various things in the past and had even gone through physiotherapy, or so I thought! The regime I went through in The Spine Clinic took this to an entirely different level. And what a difference it has made!
Mark Maskey
