Slipped discs usually resolve gradually with rest, physiotherapy, and analgesia. However, if these conservative treatments haven’t provided relief, surgery to remove the burst disc may be necessary to ease pain and restore mobility. Slipped disc surgery at The London Clinic
The London Clinic has a multi-disciplinary team of neurologists and spinal consultants that specialise in the investigation and treatment of back pain.
We have a state-of-the-art imaging suite offering a range of diagnostic tests, including the latest MRI scanners, nyelography, discography, and CT scanning.
Your orthopaedic consultant will order tests to diagnose your back problem and customise a treatment plan for your needs.
There are several operations to treat back pain and disc prolapse. Your specialist surgeon will consider the damage to your back, your lifestyle, and your preferences before recommending surgery to address the problem and resolve your symptoms.
Spinal decompression surgery can include:
- Laminectomy
- Laminectomy is surgery to remove a segment of bone from one of the vertebrae or spinal bones. This helps reduces any pressure or pinching of the nerves.
Spinal fusion
Spinal fusion is an operation to join two or more of the spinal bones together using a bone graft.
Discectomy
Surgery to remove the damaged part of one or more intervertebral discs.
Following surgery, the dedicated physiotherapy team will support your healthy rehabilitation using The London Clinic’s cutting-edge facilities and aquatic therapy suite.
Discectomy surgery facts
At The London Clinic, your specialist surgeon will perform a discectomy under general anaesthetic. You will be asleep and supported by an expert anaesthetist throughout the procedure and won’t feel any pain.
Admission is on the day before surgery or the morning of your procedure, depending on the operation time. Our team will give you specific preparation advice and let you know when to stop eating and drinking.
The surgeon will make a vertical cut along the spine. The length and position of the incision will depend on the number of discs affected and their location. The surgeon will separate the back muscles to access the spine. They will then remove a small section of the bone covering the spinal cord.
The consultant will carefully excise the parts of the discs that are damaged and bulging out. This helps to relieve the pain and any pressure on nerves in the area. They will then suture the muscle and skin closed and apply a dressing to protect the wound.
Microdiscectomy surgery
The highly-skilled surgeons at The London Clinic may be able to operate on your back through a ‘keyhole’ procedure. This is known as micro-endoscopic surgery and has a quicker recovery time than traditional, open operations.
Surgeons perform a microdiscectomy through small incisions. A tiny camera relays images to a computer screen; using the screen for guidance, the surgeon uses specially-designed instruments to operate on the spine.
If you are suitable for a microdiscectomy, your surgeon will talk you through the pros and cons of the procedure and take time to answer all your questions. Recovering from a discectomy
Your recovery following spinal surgery will depend on the number of discs treated and your health, strength, and fitness. Some pain and discomfort are normal after an operation. The orthopaedic team will provide pain-relief to maintain your comfort and help you get back on your feet.
You will usually be able to go home the day after surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon, together with the expert multi-disciplinary team, will provide a personalised plan of rest, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation is a crucial part of your treatment. The London Clinic’s dedicated physiotherapists will support and guide you. They’ll give you exercises to perform at home to strengthen your muscles, ease stiffness, and restore your mobility and function.
The team will arrange an appointment to remove your stitches at around ten days. Most people with non-physical jobs can return to work between four and six weeks after the operation. If you have any concerns, the staff at The London Clinic are always available to offer support and guidance.
