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Discectomy

Discectomy

Back and leg pain caused by a herniated or slipped disc can be debilitating, limiting mobility and interfering with daily activities. When conservative treatments such as medication, rest, and physiotherapy fail to provide relief, a surgical option known as discectomy may be recommended. Dr. Bhupendra Pratap Bharti , an expert in spine care, performs this procedure to remove the damaged portion of a spinal disc that is pressing on nearby nerves, thereby relieving pain and restoring function.

Discectomy has evolved significantly over the years, with modern techniques offering safer, minimally invasive options that reduce recovery times and improve outcomes.

Understanding Discectomy

A discectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove herniated disc material that compresses spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Herniated discs occur when the soft inner gel of a disc pushes through its tough outer layer, often causing nerve compression. This leads to symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the herniation.

By carefully removing the problematic portion of the disc while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, discectomy aims to relieve nerve pressure and restore normal movement.

Conditions Treated with Discectomy

Discectomy is most commonly performed for:

  • Herniated Disc – when disc material presses on spinal nerves.
  • Sciatica – pain radiating down the leg caused by nerve compression in the lumbar spine.
  • Radiculopathy – nerve root irritation leading to pain, tingling, or weakness.
  • Spinal Cord Compression – in rare cases where the disc causes pressure on the spinal cord itself.

Symptoms That May Require Discectomy

Patients who benefit from discectomy often experience:

  • Persistent back or neck pain radiating to the limbs
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
  • Sports injuries and high-impact activities
  • Difficulty walking, sitting, or performing daily tasks
  • Worsening pain despite weeks or months of non-surgical care

Surgery is generally considered when pain and neurological symptoms significantly impact quality of life.

The Procedure

Modern discectomy procedures are often minimally invasive , using smaller incisions and specialized instruments. The steps typically include:

  1. Anaesthesia – general or spinal anaesthesia is administered for comfort.
  2. Incision – a small incision is made over the affected area of the spine.
  3. Access to the Disc – muscles are gently moved aside, and a small portion of bone or ligament may be removed for access.
  4. Disc Removal – the surgeon removes the herniated portion of the disc that is compressing nerves.
  5. Closure – the incision is closed, and the patient is moved to recovery.

Techniques such as microdiscectomy (using a microscope) or endoscopic discectomy (using a small camera) allow for even smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less tissue disruption.

Recovery After Discectomy

Recovery times vary depending on the surgical approach and the patient’s overall health. In most cases:

  • Patients may go home the same day or after one night in the hospital.
  • Walking and light activities are encouraged within a few days.
  • Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and twisting should be avoided for several weeks.
  • Physiotherapy is recommended to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and prevent recurrence.

Most patients notice a significant reduction in leg pain soon after surgery, while back stiffness may take longer to improve.

Benefits of Discectomy

Discectomy offers several important advantages:

  • Rapid Relief from Leg Pain – especially sciatica caused by nerve compression.
  • Improved Mobility – patients can walk, sit, and move with less discomfort.
  • Minimally Invasive Options – smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter recovery times.
  • High Success Rates – most patients experience long-term relief.

Risks and Considerations

While generally safe, discectomy carries some risks, including:

  • Infection or bleeding
  • Nerve injury, though rare
  • Recurrence of disc herniation at the same level
  • Degenerative changes in the spine over time

Choosing an experienced spine surgeon greatly reduces these risks and ensures the best possible outcome.

Importance of Timely Surgery

Delaying surgical treatment for a herniated disc can lead to prolonged pain, worsening nerve damage, or permanent weakness. Dr. Bhupendra Pratap Bharti emphasizes that timely discectomy helps preserve nerve function, improves mobility, and enhances overall quality of life.

Advanced Spine Care with Discectomy

Discectomy remains one of the most effective surgical treatments for disc-related nerve compression, offering significant relief for patients whose lives are disrupted by persistent pain. Advances in minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques have further improved safety, recovery, and long-term results.

With years of expertise in complex spinal surgeries, Dr. Bhupendra Pratap Bharti provides advanced discectomy procedures tailored to each patient’s unique condition. His focus on precision, safety, and compassionate care ensures optimal outcomes, helping patients regain mobility and return to a pain-free life.