What is a herniated disc? How is it treated?

Hernia, one of the most common health problems of our age, can be seen at almost any age. One of the most up-to-date treatments for lumbar hernia, which has many treatment options, is defined as "Endoscopic lumbar hernia surgery". In endoscopic lumbar hernia surgery, a camera is descended to the hernia site through a 6-7 mm incision on the back or side of the waist and a comfortable life is offered to the patients by removing the herniated tissue.

What is a herniated disc? How is it treated?

Herniated disc is the protrusion of the gelatinous disc tissue normally located in between vertebras, towards the spinal canal or to the side leading to compression of the nerves coming out of the spinal cord resulting in complaints. 97-98% of lumbar hernia patients do not need surgery; It can be treated with rest, medication and physical therapy. In the patient group requiring surgery, the endoscopic method is one of the most up-to-date treatment methods.

What is endoscopic lumbar hernia surgery?

Endoscopic lumbar hernia surgery is performed by descending to the herniated area through a 6-7 mm incision on the back or side of the waist and removing the herniated tissue. The duration of the procedure varies between about 10-40 minutes. Patients are usually discharged on the same day after surgery and can return to their normal lives within 1 week.

In which patients can the endoscopic method be used?

2-3% of those who have a herniated disc need surgery. Patients with complaints such as severe leg pain, loss of strength in the legs, urinary incontinence, should be operated on without delay. All patients who need lumbar hernia surgery can be operated with this method.

How is endoscopic lumbar hernia surgery performed?

Endoscopic herniated disc surgery can be performed under general anesthesia (putting the patient to sleep), spinal anesthesia (anesthetizing the patient from the waist down) or local anesthesia (only numbing the area where the procedure will be performed). According to the location of the hernia; The hernia is removed by entering the area where the hernia tissue is, by means of a camera with a 4 mm gap from the back or 8-10 cm side of the waist. A 7 mm skin incision is sufficient. Usually, the operation is performed by entering between the muscles without touching the bone tissue. In this way, muscle and bone tissue is preserved.

What are the advantages of endoscopic herniated disc surgery?

Endoscopic lumbar hernia surgery provides significant advantages to the patient. The fact that the operation can be performed under local anesthesia is a very important advantage for patients who cannot receive anesthesia. In addition, short operative period, no need for bone removal, and minimal tissue damage are its obvious advantages. It is a great advantage that patients can be discharged on the same day and return to their daily life and social life immediately. Compared to other surgical techniques, the amount of tissue damage and bleeding is minimal. After this surgical procedure, patients can usually return to their work life within 1 week. While being overweight creates a significant disadvantage in patients who have undergone surgery with other methods, this method does not have a disadvantage.

What is the process after endoscopic lumbar hernia surgery?

Patients with endoscopic herniated disc surgery generally have shorter recovery times compared to patients who have had herniated disc surgery with other surgical methods. It is important to rest for a while after the surgery, not to lift heavy, strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, eat healthy, sleep regularly and increase physical activity gradually. Controls in the specified periods should not be interrupted, movements that will force the waist should be avoided. However, even people with extremely active lives can return to the same pace after the recovery period.

Can adhesions be seen in the waist after endoscopic herniated disc surgery?

Adhesion on the waist can be seen after all surgeries. Adhesion can also occur after microsurgery, classical surgery or endoscopic surgery. However, since the instruments used in endoscopic surgery are used in a very small area, the probability of adhesions are less.

How should patients who want to have endoscopic lumbar hernia surgery proceed?

Patients who have decided to have an operation for herniated disc, if they want to have an endoscopic hernia operation, should definitely prefer fully equipped centers with experienced doctors and teams. A comfortable operation and recovery process awaits the patient after the necessary tests are done before the operation and it is determined that the patient is a suitable candidate for this surgery.