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New Procedure Helps Prevent Recurrent Disc Herniation
Spinal surgery can work wonders for
many people suffering from back pain
caused by a herniated disc. During the
procedure, called a spinal discectomy, a surgeon
removes the ruptured part of the disc,
which essentially leaves a hole. Many patients
find extended relief, but for others, the disc
can herniate again, and potentially require
additional surgery.
Thankfully, that’s changing — with a
leading-edge treatment being performed at
Riverview Medical Center by spine surgeon
Gordon Donald, M.D. After removing the
ruptured portion of the disc, Dr. Donald
inserts a surgical mesh implant that repairs
the outer fibers of the disc, so the inner disc
material can’t push out again and compress
the nerve root. This pressure on the nerve is
what causes the back pain.
"This makes great sense," states Dr. Donald,
who is fellowship trained in spinal surgery.
"It’s the first time we have a device to accomplish
this. I expect the procedure will become
very popular."
Dr. Donald uses a microscope and special
instruments to perform minimally invasive
spinal discectomy with 2-centimeter incisions.
After the discectomy, he inserts the mesh
implant, opens it like an umbrella, and then
pulls it back to cover the space. The device is
held in place against cartilage with a few stitches,
and new tissue eventually grows around
it. The implant dissolves in about six months,
leaving the new tissue plugging the hole.
The procedure is performed as outpatient
surgery. Patients are usually walking the same
day, and begin physical therapy and exercise
within 10 days to two weeks, Dr. Donald says.
The surgical mesh implant offers many benefits
for patients. According to Dr. Donald, studies
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration show
that it may significantly decrease the need for
additional disc herniation surgery. But it's not for
everyone. Ten percent to 15 percent of patients
needing disc herniation surgery won't qualify for
the device, Dr. Donald adds. Their spinal canal
may be too small for the implant, or the tear in
their disc too large to hold the device.
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