Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery
The human spine is made up of multiple vertebrae (bones) with discs in between. The intervertebral discs act as cushions for the vertebrae and are the spine’s shock absorbers. Each disc has a soft, gel-like inner core called nucleus pulposus surrounded by an outer, flexible ring called annulus. These are under constant pressure of the vertebra.
A Disc Prolapse occurs when the centre of the spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and puts pressure on the adjacent spinal nerves or spinal cord. This causes intense pain, weakness, numbness of the backside and even other neurological symptoms. Spine surgeons in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals can treat a disc prolapse by various surgical approaches, including Discectomy, Microdiscectomy, Endoscopic Discectomy, Laminectomy or Laminotomy, Spinal Fusion, and Artificial Disc Replacement. However, there are cases wherein disc prolapse can recur and that call for an additional surgery- referred to as Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery in Hyderabad.
Arete Hospitals Department of Spine Surgery is known to be the best in serving integrated and comprehensive treatment for spine conditions like prolapsed or herniated discs using surgical interventions. The department staffs first-rate spine surgeons who are experts in all kinds of spine surgeries ranging from simple to complex. They offer advanced spine disc surgeries with assured best quality because of the use of state-of-the-art technologies.
Benefits of Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery
The major benefit of a recurrent disc prolapse surgery is quicker relief from pressed spinal nerves or spinal cord than provided by other treatments. The patients can start noticing improvements in the symptoms of their recurred disc prolapse or re-herniated discs like significant pain, numbness, and weakness of the back and/or legs, within a few weeks of their surgery.
Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery may improve the mobility of the spine and allow the patients to resume routine activities and enjoy their improved overall life quality.
What is Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery?
Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery refers to the second spinal operation done to treat a recurred prolapsed or re-herniated intervertebral disc. One can visit Arete Hospitals to get the best Disc Herniation Treatment in Hyderabad, which is performed by surgeons using the best state-of-the-art technology.
Before Surgery
Before undergoing recurrent disc herniation surgery in Hyderabad, the patient’s body needs to be prepared for it. The preparations include:
- Discontinuing or altering intake of medications before surgery
- Stopping the use of nicotine and alcohol consumption
- Refraining from eating or drinking anything for a specified time frame before surgery
- Preparing home for aftercare and arranging for a caretaker as well as someone to drive home after surgery.
What does Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery involve?
Repeated disc herniation treatment in Hyderabad is a 1 to 3 hours long operation, depending upon the technique used. It is carried out under general anaesthesia. Before starting with the surgery, the patient is made to lie down on the stomach and the incision site is cleaned and prepped. Once the problem is addressed, the surgeon sutures back the muscles or tissues that were split and closes the skin incision with stitches or surgical staples.
Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery may involve similar surgical techniques as performed in initial disc surgery. These are:
Revision Discectomy- Often, Discectomy is performed initially to treat a disc herniation or prolapse. This is an open surgical procedure wherein the surgeon makes a long incision over the affected spinal disc in the back of the patient. Through the incision, the surgeon splits the muscles, puts aside tissues, drills vertebrae above the affected disc, and takes out the bony lamina to gain access to the affected spinal disc. Next, the spinal nerves are retracted on one side and then finally the prolapsed or herniated portion of the disc is cut out to relieve spinal nerves/cord compression.
If there is a small and localised recurrence of disc prolapse, the spine surgeon then again performs a Discectomy surgery to get rid of the newly herniated/prolapsed region of the disc.
Microdiscectomy - Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive alternative to discectomy wherein keyhole incisions are made and specialised tools are used to remove the newly prolapsed disc. A series of dilators of varying sizes are used to tunnel through the back muscles. To visualise through the small incision, the surgeon uses an operating microscope. It is a better surgical option than open discectomy as it is associated with minimal blood loss, less damage to back muscles and other tissues, and speedy recovery. Therefore, it is the best option in case of recurred disc prolapse in patients who have undergone open discectomy.
Endoscopic Discectomy- This is a revolutionised alternative to microdiscectomy wherein an endoscope is used to visualise and operate through a small incision. An endoscope is a thin hollow tube with a light and a camera at one end. It provides real-time pictures/videos of the spinal canal on the special TV screen. Through the endoscope, specially designed surgical tools are inserted to remove the prolapsed disc material.
Laminectomy or Laminotomy- Such surgical approaches might be performed by a spine surgeon when the recurred disc prolapse is accompanied by spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a condition characterised by the narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nearby spinal nerves or spinal cord. Laminectomy is the surgery to remove a portion of the bony lamina and create sufficient room in the spinal canal. Laminotomy involves making only a small hole in the lamina to make the spinal canal wide again.
Spinal Fusion- This is only recommended for patients experiencing spinal instability or other spinal structural issues because of recurrent disc prolapse. The surgery involves fusing two or more affected vertebrae with an autologous bone graft or synthetic bone-like material that is held in place with hardware- pedicle screws, plates, hooks, cages, and rods.
Artificial Disc Replacement- For some patients, artificial disc replacement is considered over spinal fusion to maintain flexibility and motion of the spine. The procedure involves making an abdominal incision to reach the affected intervertebral disc(s) of the spine without the need to retract spinal nerves. After gaining access to the damaged disc, the surgeon replaces it with an artificial disc.
Consult the experts at Arete Hospitals to learn more on Revision spine surgery in Hyderabad.
Good Candidates for Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery
Surgical options for recurrent disc herniation is best-suited option for anyone who is otherwise healthy but:
- Have re-herniated or recurred disc prolapse pressing on spinal nerves/cord and causing weakness, numbness, or extreme pain in their back, legs, or buttocks
- Experiences failure from their previous disc surgery and cannot get relief from medications, physical therapy, or chiropractic care
- Have excruciating persistent pain that makes their routine activities difficult to perform
- Cannot control their bowel or bladder functioning
- Faces difficulty in standing and walking
- Have no weak vertebrae or spinal deformity.
After Discharge
- Take medications as directed and avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
- Avoid any physical activities that can injure the operated site and delay recovery.
- Keep the body in good postures.
- Go for physical therapy to recover soon.
Cost of Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery in Hyderabad
The cost of recurrent disc prolapse surgery varies based on several factors, including:
- The surgeon and anaesthesiologist fees
- Type of surgical technique being performed
- Insurance coverage (if any).
Effectiveness of Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery
Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery is less effective than initial Disc Prolapse Surgery. The success rates depend upon the surgical approach chosen.
Risks Associated with Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery
This spine surgery in Hyderabad is safe if performed by the skilled hands of an experienced spine surgeon on an eligible candidate. The risks associated with the surgery are rare, but can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Anaesthesia reactions
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
- Damage to the spinal nerves or blood vessels around the spine
- Problems with artificial disc or bone graft
- Recurrence of prolapsed disc symptoms
- Failed back syndrome (persistent pain and discomfort after disc surgery, especially in those having multiple discectomies).
1. Why choose Arete Hospitals for Recurrent Disc Prolapse Surgery in Hyderabad?
Arete Hospitals is a choice for those looking for recurrent disc prolapse surgery. With a team of experienced spine specialists in Hyderabad who deeply understand spinal conditions, accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans can be made. The hospital has state-of-the-art facilities, allowing for advanced surgical techniques to be employed, ensuring effective and successful outcomes. This commitment to utilising cutting-edge procedures showcases their commitment to providing the best possible care to patients.
2. Can disc prolapse be cured permanently?
Generally, disc prolapse does not stay for a lifetime. The disc is a fluid-filled structure and has a natural healing capacity. Disc prolapse can resolve and be reabsorbed on its own over time. However, disc surgery may be needed to fix a herniated disc.
3. Can the same disc of my spine prolapse twice?
There is always little possibility (5-15% chances) of the same disc getting herniated again. It usually happens in the initial six weeks of the disc surgery. But it can occur anytime. In such cases, a second surgery is needed.
To learn more on surgical options for recurrent disc herniation contact the experienced spine surgeons in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals.
