How Minimally Invasive Surgery Reduces Herniated Disc Surgery Recovery Time

Traditional spine surgery is a very invasive procedure, with a correspondingly lengthy recovery time. Fortunately, minimally invasive surgery can often be used to treat herniated discs. Below, we'll explore how minimally invasive surgery can improve your herniated disc surgery recovery time.

Traditional vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery

During traditional spine surgery, doctors treat herniated discs by opening up the spine. Muscle, skin, and tissue are peeled away from the spine, and tools are used to remove the herniated portion of the disc. Sometimes, part of the bone is removed to relieve pressure on the disc; other times, two bones are fused together to stop the disc from rubbing.

Minimally invasive surgery avoids opening the spine, and also avoids major treatments like vertebral fusion and laminectomy. During this procedure, a small camera is inserted into the spine, allowing the doctor to see a high-quality image of the area. Then, a laser or radiofrequency probe is inserted and used to dissolve the herniated portion of the disc.

What to Expect

All surgeries have some recovery time, but the herniated disc surgery recovery time is much shorter and more comfortable when minimally invasive surgery is used. For this type of surgery:

• The operation is performed using only local anesthesia and sedation
• Patients can return home the same day, with no hospital stay
• Symptoms are often relieved as the procedure is performed
• Patients should be able to return to a desk job and other normal activities within a week
• Within about 6 weeks, patients should make a full recovery and be able to return to physically strenuous activities

In addition to these advantages, minimally invasive surgery has a much lower risk of side effects like infection, bleeding, and blood clots. Side effects can make recovery much lengthier and more expensive, so choosing a procedure with the lowest possible risk of side effects is preferable whenever possible.

Although minimally invasive surgery is often effective, it's not the right course of treatment for all patients. To schedule a consultation about what treatment is right for your herniated disc, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.