Deuk Spine

Why is Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy recommended by some spine surgeons?

Spine surgeon showcasing the Xray to the patient and recommending microdiscectomy

Radiculopathy (nerve root dysfunction) from compressed/pinched nerves
Sciatica (pain down leg to foot) from compressed/pinched nerves
Cauda Equina Syndrome (poly radiculopathy) from compressed/pinched nerves
Strong financial incentives for spine surgeons and hospitals
These procedures rarely cure pain and frequently lead to more surgery and pain management. “Cash cows” of spine surgery

How is Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy performed? (Why we don't recommend it ?)

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Why should Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy be avoided?

A large skin incision made during the microdiscectomy being measured and hence highlighting why microdiscectomy should be avoided.

Highly invasive: large incision and excessive cutting of normal tissues between skin and spine during Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy

Excessive and unnecessary bleeding during and after surgery from muscle trauma by the surgeon

Destruction of normal stabilizing bones including lamina and spinous process by the surgeon during Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy

Destruction of normal stabilizing ligaments including supraspinous, interspinous and ligamentum flavum by the surgeon during Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy

Destruction of normal muscles around the spine by the surgeon during Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy

Excessive scar tissue forms around the spine and nerves after Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy

Complications are common after Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy

Spinal instability is common after Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy

Disc herniations and degenerated discs are not treated properly when a Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy is performed. The source of inflammation is not removed from within the annular tear. Untreated annular tears are the most common cause of back and leg pain.

Stenosis either persists or reoccurs commonly after Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy and will require additional surgery

Adjacent segment disease is common after Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy and requires additional surgery

Excessive postoperative pain always occurs after Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy due to muscle trauma and necrosis (death of muscles). During Discectomy/ Micro-discectomy the muscles are torn off the spine by the surgeon in order to get down to the disc. The dying muscles cause severe postoperative pain that always requires opioid painkillers and muscle relaxers. Opioid painkillers are highly addicting, cause tolerance, abuse and even death from breathing failure.