Discectomy

Patients whose herniated lumbar discs have failed to respond to other treatment may be able to get relief from disc removal—called a discectomy. Traditionally, this type of surgery required a large incision through the thick layer of back muscles. The back muscles, tendons and spinal structures all incur significant injury during “open” surgery, which can cause a great deal of post-surgical pain. Now, many surgeries, including lumbar disc herniations, can be performed using just tiny incisions. The procedures are performed under a microscope, through a small plastic tube that splits the muscle tissue—rather than cutting it. The surgeons of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network are at the forefront in the practice of these “minimally invasive” spine surgeries.

Treats these conditions:

ARTICLE TOOLS: