One of the most common causes of back pain is a herniated disc, better known as slip disc. This can also cause discomfort and numbness in the legs. How does a slip disc occur?
When a disc between two vertebrae in the spinal column suffers damage , the soft gelatinous portion at the centre of the disc pierces its outer covering and the spinal nerves. This is called disc rupture and can lead to a lot of discomfort and pain. This may happen in the neck , upper back or lower back, but is most common in the lower back. When this ruptured disc pushes or compresses the nerves within the spine, it may cause severe pain in the back alone, or also what is called sciatica — a sharp pain that goes from the buttock towards the leg via the thigh.
As we age, the water content in the disc decreases, making it less flexible and more prone to rupture. Other factors — smoking, sedentary lifestyle, sudden pressure on the spine, repetitive strain on the discs, excess body weight and, in some cases, genetic predisposition — also affect the spine.
While most people improve with medical treatment and physiotherapy, some may need to undergo surgery. Traditional surgery to relieve the pressure caused by a ruptured/slip disc is conducted under general anaesthesia through a big incision in the back and cutting through the back muscles. This method is painful and needs greater recovery time and extensive physiotherapy.
However, with endoscopic keyhole spine surgery, there is no need to cut through the back. This surgery is done under local anaesthesia and requires only a very small incision, not more than a small puncture to introduce the endoscope’s mini camera. The surgery lasts for around an hour and, since there are no major cut or stitches involved, the patient can start walking the same day.
Despite major advantages, this procedure is yet to become a norm because not many spine surgeons are equipped to perform it. Keyhole surgery requires specialised training and we need greater training modalities for doctors.
Advantages
Fast recovery: The patient starts walking the same day, can step out of the house in the first week and be back at work in two to four weeks.
Minimal risk: Since the cut is extremely small, the risk of infection is negligible. This aids faster recovery and minimises risks associated with surgery. There is no damage to back muscles, other normal tissues and bones. There is also lower risk of blood clots, no major scarring or blood loss, no risk of nerve damage and no side-effects associated with general anaesthesia.
Low cost: It’s a day care procedure and the patient can go home within a few hours. This also reduces costs of hospital stay.
