What Did I Have Done - Operation(s) - Lumbar Discetomy for Lumbar Disc Prolapse

The operation I had both times was a Lumbar Discetomy for Lumbar Disc Prolapse.

A Lumbar Disc Prolapse is usually confirmed by an MRI.  My consultant at Sheffield commented that mine was 'very impressive'.   He didn't mean this in a good way!

Each vertebral bone is separated by a inter-vertebral disc.  This disc acts like a pressure cushion.  It consists of a fibrous outside (annulus fibrosis) and a soft inside (nucleus pulposus). A lumbar disc prolapse (disc herniation / slipped disc) is where some of the central soft disc material has been pushed backwards through a weak area or tear in the outside fibrous part of the disc.  When this material touches or presses against one of the nerves (nerve roots) in the spine, pain down the leg (sciatica) results.

The majority of disc prolapses occur where there is already some weakening of the fibrous outside of the disc that is associated with wear and tear / degenerative changes in the spine. 

The main reason for offering surgery is to relieve severe radiating leg pain (sciatica).  Surgery does not benefit lower back pain. Surgery only takes the pressure off the compressed nerve root.

The operation is done under general anaesthetic and takes about an hour. The surgery is usually done through a cut about 5cm in length on your lower back.  After going between the muscles in your back, a small window, about 1cm in diameter is made into the spinal canal.  The offending disc material is removed as well as some adjacent disc material within the disc space.

A Lumbar Mictodiscectomy does not prevent the possibility of a future disc prolapse as not all the disc is removed due to increased risks of surgery. (injury to the abdominal blood vessels lying on the front of the spine).

Risks include deep venous thrombosis / pulmonary embolus (clot in leg/lung); hence the need to wear surgical stockings during the operation and for a time after the operation.    I was given a whole list of 'risks' to read about prior to surgery, but as I could not walk and was in a lot of pain, I felt the risks weren't significant enough to stop me having the operation!

Once home, I was advised to attend my GP surgery for removal of my staples at 10 days.  For the first 2 weeks following surgery, sitting should be minimised to essentials; such as toilet and eating.  Driving is considered inadvisable in the early weeks, even as a passenger.  However, exercise should be maintained, in particular walking.  Although not too much and watch your posture!!

'Discomfort' following surgery is common.  There are a variety of pain killers that can be taken.  Taking painkillers is preferable to letting any discomfort get bad and then having to control it, which will be more difficult.

If you are overweight (I am now!) you should consider losing weight as this will reduce the chances of spine wear and tear related problems I the future, including disc prolapse.

You will require 6 weeks off work (at least!).