Intervertebral Disc Microdecompression
The microdecompression procedure is applied in cases of spinal stenosis.
The procedure is only recommended when non-surgical treatments haven’t helped. The surgery aims to improve symptoms such as persistent pain and numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the spine. Lumbar decompression surgery is used to treat several disorders such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of a section of the spinal column, which puts pressure on the nerves inside.) This is achieved through many factors, such as the technique and method used by each surgeon, his/her surgical skill and ability to decompress areas through small “holes” rather than large incisions.
In particular, there are the following surgical approaches:
Laminectomy is surgery to remove the back arch or part of a spinal bone. This part of the bone, called the lamina, covers the spinal canal. Laminectomy enlarges the spinal canal to ease pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It is often performed as a part of a decompression surgery to relieve pressure. Laminectomy is generally used only when more-conservative treatments, such as medicines, physical therapy or injections, have failed to relieve symptoms and also might be recommended if symptoms are severe or getting much worse. A laminectomy can relieve pain or other symptoms caused by conditions that affect your nerves and spinal column. There’s an option for a minimally invasive form of laminectomy to reduce your recovery time and help you feel better sooner. This approach entails less surgical trauma compared to conventional laminectomy.
Microdecompression is a surgical approach that entails even less trauma. With this technique, decompression is achieved through a surgical hole – not an incision – using a microscope, only from the one side of the vertebra, even if stenosis has appeared on both sides.
FAQ
Which surgical procedure is better and safer for me?
Every case is different and there is no surgery that is considered the best for all patients. However, the vast majority of patients have great benefits due to the quick recovery and short hospital stay, for only one day, thanks to the microdecompression method which has just as good or even better results than more traditional surgical approaches.
How many years of experience does Dr. Starantzis have in this particular method?
Dr. Starantzis has vast experience with the microdecompression method having operated on hundreds of cases abroad as an orthopedic spine surgeon.
What type of anesthesia will I receive?
All types of spinal stenosis surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. In special cases, it can be performed under local anesthesia.
For how many days will I need to be hospitalized?
Microdecompression surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, with no overnight stay in the hospital unlike the traditional method, which requires the patient to stay in the hospital for four days.
How soon can I go back to work?
This depends on the type of job. Every person recovers differently and has different needs. In most cases it’s usually safe to return to light work or an office-based job within 2 weeks of the operation. If your job involves heavy duties, you may need to be off work for about 6 weeks.
When will I be able to lift weights and exercise?
As in the case of manual work, the patient may return to sports activities and physical exercise or weight lifting six weeks after the surgery.
What is the success rate of this surgical method?
If this surgical method is applied with the right indications to the right patients, the success rates are over 90-95%.
Can I have a relapse and what happens in this case?
There is a possibility for the reappearance of the symptoms due to the recurrence of the condition, this time in another part of the spine. However, once the stenosis has been decompressed properly, it is extremely rare for the stenosis to reappear in the same area.
