DISK REMOVAL, RUPTURED-

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of an intervertebral disk that has protruded from its normal position.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Spine; intervertebral disk.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Relief of painful symptoms.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Obesity; poor nutrition; smoking.
• Chronic illness, especially back pain and alcoholism.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Neurosurgeon, orthopedist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of back; myelogram (See Glossary); CT scan and/or MRI (See Glossary for both).
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made over the protruded disk.
• The arches of the spine are cut away and removed.
• The protruding disk is scooped out.
• Sometimes, the vertebral bone around the affected area is joined together with normal bone. This procedure is called fusion.
• The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Injury to nerve roots, which can lead to paralysis.
• Incomplete disk removal.
• Unrelieved or worsened pain.
• Bladder function impaired (rare).

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--7 to 10 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect slow healing. Some discomfort and weakness may continue. Allow about 5 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein blood clots.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. Then begin back exercises (physical therapy) under medical supervision. > Resume driving 6 weeks after returning home. > Resume sexual relations when able.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract begins to function again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occurs:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.
• Weakness, numbness or pain in the back, buttocks or legs.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Development of new, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.