Thoracic Microdiscectomy: Procedure, Benefits & More

Overview

Thoracic microdiscectomy is a procedure used to remove a herniated or injured disc in the thoracic spine (middle region of the spine) to relieve pain and discomfort. A herniated disc in the thoracic spine occurs when the inner material of a spinal disc leaks out through a crack or tear in the outer layer of the disc, irritating the nerves in the area and causing pain and discomfort. It can occur as the result of advancing age, genetic predisposition, or repeated stress on the spine due to constant activities such as bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects. Here let’s understand thoracic microdiscectomy in detail.

What is Thoracic Microdiscectomy?

Thoracic microdiscectomy is a procedure used to repair herniated or injured discs in the thoracic spine, which is located in the center of the spine. The injured disc material is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and reduce discomfort, tingling, or numbness in the chest, back, or arms.
Thoracic microdiscectomy is performed under general anesthesia and it involves removing the herniated disc material through a small incision in the back. During the procedure, the patient is a small incision is made in the back to access the affected disc. The surgeon uses specialized tools to carefully remove the herniated material without disturbing the surrounding tissues or nerves. 

When is Thoracic Microdiscectomy Recommended?

When non-surgical therapies, such as physical therapy, medication, or injections, have not been effective in relieving the symptoms caused by a herniated or injured disc in the thoracic spine, a thoracic microdiscectomy may be considered. The need for the surgery will depend upon your symptoms, overall health, and the presence of any concurrent spinal conditions.

Some of the common reasons why a thoracic microdiscectomy may be recommended include:

• Herniated disc: When a thoracic spine disc herniates, the inner soft material pushes out through the outer hard layer impinging the surrounding nerves. It creates pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations in the chest, back, or arms.
• Degenerative disc disease: The discs in the spine may weaken over time due to age-related wear and tear, losing height, and compressing the spinal cord or nerves.
• Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and resulting in discomfort, tingling, or weakness in the chest, back, or arms.
• Traumatic injury to the thoracic spine: If the thoracic spine gets injured, such as in a vehicle accident or a fall, a discectomy may be required to remove damaged disc material and reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Individuals should, as with any procedure, examine the possible advantages and dangers with their doctor to determine if it is the best treatment option for their particular case.

How to Prepare for Thoracic Microdiscectomy?

If you are scheduled for a thoracic microdiscectomy, it is critical that you prepare appropriately to achieve the best viable result. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

• Follow your surgeon's instructions: During the days and weeks preceding the procedure, your surgeon will give you precise directions to follow. To avoid challenges, it is critical to carefully follow these directions.
• Quit smoking: If you are a smoker, your doctor may advise you to stop smoking for a brief period before and after the procedure as it can impact the healing process.
• Avoid certain medications: Before your surgery, your surgeon may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, herbal supplements, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs have the potential to increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with anesthesia.
• Make dietary changes: Your doctor may ask you to have a healthy fiber-rich diet and to stay well hydrated on the days preceding the surgery. You may also need to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Make transportation arrangements: As you will be unable to drive after your procedure, you must make transportation arrangements to and from the hospital.
• Prepare your house: You may wish to prepare your home for your recovery period before your procedure. This may involve hiring someone to assist you with everyday duties, creating a pleasant recovery environment, and storing food and other necessities.
• Discuss post-operative care: Discuss with your surgeon what to expect following your surgery, such as pain management, wound care, also about physical therapy or rehabilitation that may be required.

Following these guidelines and cooperating with your medical team may help assure a successful thoracic microdiscectomy and a quick recovery.

How is Thoracic Microdiscectomy Performed?

A thoracic microdiscectomy typically involves the following steps:

• Anesthesia: You will be given either general or regional anesthesia, depending on the requirement.
• Incision: Once anesthesia is administered, the surgeon makes a small incision on the patient's back over the affected area.
• Retraction of muscle: The muscles are gently retracted with the help of surgical instruments to expose the affected vertebrae.
• Removal of disc material: Once the surgeon gains access to the affected disc, he/she removes the portion of the disc that is compressing the spinal nerve root using specialized instruments.
• Closure: The muscles are returned to their original position, and the incision is closed with sutures or staples.

The goal of the procedure is to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve root and alleviate symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours to complete, and patients are typically able to return home the same day or the following day. However, it is important to understand that some individuals might need to stay back at the hospital depending on their specific condition.

What to Expect after a Thoracic Microdiscectomy?

Here are some common things to expect following a thoracic microdiscectomy surgery:

• Pain and discomfort: Following surgery, you may suffer pain or discomfort in your back, chest, or arms. This is normal and can be managed with the help of prescribed medications.
• Limited mobility: You may experience limited mobility during the initial days after the surgery. This is normal and you will be able to get back to your normal activities gradually as you recover. 
• Dressings and wound care: Your incision site will be covered with dressings that must be replaced on a regular basis. Your healthcare provider will instruct you on how to take care of your wound until it heals.
• Physical therapy: Your surgeon may suggest physical therapy to help you restore strength and mobility. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises and activities to aid in your recovery.
• Follow-up visits: You will need to make follow-up appointments with your surgeon to check that you are recovering steadily.

To guarantee the best potential outcome and minimize the risk of complications, it is critical to follow all of your surgeon's post-operative recommendations. If you notice any unexpected signs, such as heavy bleeding, fever, or other evidence of an infection, you should call your surgeon right away.

What are the Benefits and Risks of Thoracic Microdiscectomy?

Thoracic microdiscectomy is a safe procedure and complications are rare. Here are some of the benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Benefits:

• Symptom relief: The main advantage of this procedure is that it can reduce unpleasant symptoms such as discomfort, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the chest, back, or arms brought on by a herniated or injured thoracic spine disc.
• Improved mobility: Patients might experience an improvement in their mobility and ease in performing their daily activities.
• Enhanced quality of life: With an improvement in the symptoms, patients may feel an enhanced in their quality of life,

Risks:

• Infection: Infection at the wound's site or in the spinal canal can be one of the potential complications.
• Bleeding: Though rare, there is a possibility of bleeding during or after surgery.
• Injury to the spinal cord or nerves: There is a possibility of nerve injury, which might lead to new symptoms or worsen current ones.
• Anesthesia response: There is a possibility of an adverse reaction to anesthesia used during the procedure.
• Failure to reduce symptoms: The surgery may not totally relieve the patient's symptoms in rare situations.

To decide if thoracic microdiscectomy is the best treatment choice for you, make sure to discuss the possible advantages and risks of the procedure with your doctor.

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!