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Spine Treatments

Lumbar Laminectomy

A lumbar microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove part or all of a damaged or herniated disc in the lower spine, known as the lumbar region. The discs in the spine act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and allowing flexibility in the spine. However, these discs can sometimes become damaged or herniate, meaning they bulge out of their normal space. This can compress nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, or other neurological symptoms.

In a microdiscetomy, your surgeon will make a small incision on your lower back. He will gently move the muscles away from the bones and proceed to remove a small amount of bone which allows access to the spinal canal and nerves. Think of this as removing the roof from a tunnel in order to clean it out. Your surgeon will then make more room for the nerves by removing any arthritis involving bone spurs, thick ligaments, and naturally the problematic disc fragment. The remainder of the healthy disc is left alone so as to preserve motion and spinal health. Without pressure on the nerves, your pain should improve almost immediately.

A lumbar discectomy is typically recommended when a herniated disc causes significant pain or neurological symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or epidural steroid injections. The most common reason for this surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. Symptoms that might prompt a lumbar discectomy include:

  • Persistent lower back pain radiating to the legs (sciatica)
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
  • Difficulty standing or walking due to nerve pain
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (in rare, severe cases)

The goal of the surgery is to relieve these symptoms by removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerve.

During a lumbar discectomy, the patient is typically under general anesthesia. Dr. Colman will make a small incision in the lower back over the affected disc. Using specialized instruments, he will remove the part of the disc that is bulging out or, in some cases, the entire disc if necessary. The procedure can be performed using mini-open, minimally invasive, or endoscopic techniques depending on your case.

Most people can go home the same day of surgery. Postoperative pain is usually managed with medications. Activities will be restricted for several weeks. Physical therapy is important to strengthen the spinal muscles and improve flexibility. Patients often experience significant relief from pain, and many can return to their normal activities within a few weeks to a few months following surgery. Full recovery can take 6-12 weeks.

A lumbar discectomy is generally successful in relieving the pain and other symptoms associated with a herniated disc. Success rates vary depending on the individual case, but most studies report a success rate of at least 90%. However, as with any surgery, outcomes can vary. Some patients may experience recurrent disc herniation (5-10%) or persistent pain after the procedure. Other risks include bleeding, infection, spinal fluid leak, or need fo more surgery in the future. Factors such as the patient’s overall health, the extent of nerve damage, and adherence to postoperative care recommendations can influence the success of the surgery.

Learn more about a lumbar discectomy by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Matthew Colman at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He specializes in degenerative spine conditions, spine trauma, spinal deformities and spine oncology. His patients find him to be a kind, caring, and thorough surgeon, who has a wonderful bedside manner, and is knowledgeable and trustworthy. They note that he takes time to listen to his patients, explains conditions well and answers their questions.

Dr. Colman’s care philosophy is that surgery should be a last resort. He feels strongly that conservative treatments including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications and injections should be pursed to their fullest extent before entertaining surgery. However, he knowns that certain orthopedic conditions require immediate surgical intervention for the best possible outcomes. Contact him at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois to schedule a consultation to receive the correct diagnosis and all your treatment options today.

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Dr. Matthew Colman

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  • Patient-specific and humanistic approach which uses the latest technology and techniques
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