How to Prepare for Percutaneous Discectomy Surgery

Suffering from a bulging or herniated disc can cause severe chronic pain, making it nearly impossible to complete daily activities. Without treatment, a herniated or bulging disc can significantly reduce your quality of life. When your back pain is debilitating, consult with a spine specialist who can determine the cause of your pain and find the best treatment possible.

A spine surgeon may suggest a discectomy for those suffering from a herniated or bulging disc. A discectomy is an endoscopic procedure that allows surgeons to enter the spinal canal and trim back tissue from the damaged disc so that it no longer overflows from the spinal column. Removing the damaged disc material relieves the pressure on the spinal nerves. This procedure may also help with sciatica pain. The procedure can be performed percutaneously (through the skin) using small needles rather than through surgery, making it a minimally invasive procedure.

Preparing for a Percutaneous Discectomy Surgery

A discectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery that can provide considerable relief for those who qualify for this treatment. If a percutaneous discectomy is the treatment option for you, here are a few tips to help you prepare for the procedure.

Understanding the Risks

There are great advantages to percutaneous discectomy surgery, including shorter recovery time and little to no scarring, but there are risks like with every medical procedure. Risks to keep in mind are:

• Allergic reaction to dye or medication
• Nerve damage (spinal cord and nerve roots)
• Bleeding and bruising at the injection site
• Infection
• Discitis (infection in the spinal discs)
• No improvement or worsening of pain

If you suffer from chronic back pain, seek medical attention from a spine surgeon who can help you understand your pain and provide you with an effective and personalized treatment plan. While it’s scary to think there are risks to medical procedures you need, an experienced and skilled spine specialist will know how to handle your condition and take steps to help prevent any complications.

What to Do before Percutaneous Discectomy Surgery

Going through any medical procedure can feel scary, even if doctors assure you that it’s a quick and easy procedure. An excellent way to control some of our fear is by having a deep understanding of our condition and procedure. Here are a few steps you can take before your surgery to feel more prepared and in control.

• Have someone who can drive you home (you will be unable to drive due to anesthetics)
• Don’t eat six hours before the procedure (small amounts of clear liquids two hours before the procedure is okay)
• You may need to stop taking certain medications several days
• Inform your doctor if you have asthma or an allergic reaction to the injection dye
• Let your doctor know if you’ve developed a fever, flu, or cold before the procedure

The whole procedure may take up to an hour. Afterward, you may spend thirty minutes in a recovery room before being discharged. While most patients feel immediate relief following the procedure, patients can sometimes experience soreness. Soreness tends to improve over the next two to three days.

At Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery, We Can Help Relieve Your Back Pain

Our surgeons at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery are leaders in their fields and have dedicated their careers to ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment in their circumstances. We understand the pain and frustration that our patients experience because of their chronic back pain and are determined to do all we can to get them back to their lives. Our award-winning, board-certified medical team provides personalized medical care helping patients find the best and least invasive treatment possible. Our spine surgeons are here to help relieve your back pain. Schedule an appointment today using our form here or call (855) 853-6542.