THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

What is the surgeon's Role?
What is your role?
How is the "pinched" nerve reached?
How is the cause of the pressure on the "pinched" nerve identified?
What is the difference between healing and recovery?
What factors influence the healing process?

The Surgeon’s Role

Your surgeon will: 1) review your neurological history and examination, 2) review your diagnostic studies (such as a myelogram, AT scan or MRI), 3) plan a surgical approach and 4) review the procedure with you.

Your Role

You must have a thorough understanding of the diagnosis (what is causing your back and/or leg symptoms) and the risks and benefits of the proposed surgery. Once you are confident that surgery is the correct option for you, turn your thoughts to the future and the recovery process.

Beginning the Operation

In the operating room, the MED procedure begins with a small incision in your lower back. Through this opening, your surgeon will insert the endoscope and surgical instruments. Because the work is viewed through an endoscope,this approach requires a relatively small incision.

Reaching the "Pinched" Nerve

Guided by diagnostic studies, your surgeon may remove a small portion of bony material from the back of your vertebra. Once this material is removed, the surgeon can locate the exact area where the nerve root is being pinched

Identifying the Cause of the Pressure

Once the "pinched" nerve is located, the extent of the pressure on the nerve can be determined. Using endoscopic microsurgical procedures, your surgeon will remove the ruptured portion of the disc and any disc fragments which have broken off from the main disc.

The amount of work required to complete your MED procedure will depend in part on the number of disc fragments present and the difficulty presented n finding and removing them.

Closing the Incision

The operation is completed when the endoscope is removed and the incision is closed with suture materials and a bandage.

The Healing and Recovery Process

Once the ruptured disc has been removed, healing can begin.

Healing is the body’s natural process of restoring its damaged tissues to a normal, or nearly normal, condition. Healing occurs on its own, but is influenced by such factors as general good health, physical fitness, nutrition and rest. Recovery is the process during which you work at becoming well. You must commit yourself to staying in good health (exercising), maintaining a positive mental attitude and following our physician’s instructions.

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