Intervertebral disc SURGERY with endoscopy? Even surgeons say that in Germany too often and too quickly in the back is surgery. But if it has to be real, then please, as gently as possible. The endoscopic disc surgery does not promises exactly-but it’s long been the Standard.
In Germany are diagnosed each year around 180,000 herniated discs. At least a third of it ends up sooner or later in the OP. All the experts agree that around 80 percent of the complaints could be conservative and fixed is treated with a specific pain and movement therapy.
Intervertebral disc SURGERY are often unavoidable
Inevitable surgery on the vertebral buffer is, if the intervertebral disc in the vertebrae channel, and thereby the nerves are damaged. Then paralysis may not be reversible. Since the majority of the intervertebral disc occurs problems in the lumbar spine are usually affected unilaterally, the leg and foot motor impairments.
Standard SURGERY involves for the patient a number of risks
In the operation of standard micro-surgical with the surgical microscope, or a classic with the help of magnifying glasses – and puts the Patient under anesthesia, the surgeon creates a longitudinal cut in the middle of the back access to the area of the herniated disc and removes the excess tissue. The OP is for the majority of spine surgeons Routine, but carries all the risks of open surgery: stressful anesthesia, destroyed tissue with scarring of the risk, the risk of infection, slow recovery of the patient.
Endoscopic SURGERY: more difficult for the doctor, gentle for the patient
In the case of endoscopic surgery, commonly thought of as key-hole SURGERY known, of these risks. Nevertheless, it is for intervertebral disc operations in Germany, the exception rather than the rule. And the criticism of the Munich-based spinal surgeon Michael Schubert. He has met, the method 17 years ago, and since then, over 8000 patients so surgery. He is regarded as one of the world’s most experienced experts in the field of endoscopic disc surgery.
“The method is the future”
The surgeon sees significant advantages for the patient. This is also confirmed by various studies. Nevertheless, many physicians in Germany are extremely hesitant and skeptical: “There is a lack of willingness to think beyond the established methods, and to operate the high Initial costs.” The set of instruments is expensive and it takes relatively long until a surgeon to master the technology really is. Therefore, you would find the practitioner for endoscopic disc surgery less University hospitals, but in private clinics. Nevertheless, Michael Schubert says: “I am quite sure that the endoscopy in intervertebral disc operations is the future – also in Germany.” His method he calls “the most gentle intervertebral disc SURGERY in the world”.
The runs minimally-invasive surgery:
The Patient is laterally positioned, and in a twilight sleep offset. “So he can respond at any time when an Instrument comes for the nerves however, once close to. The pain response of the patient to prevent accidental damage to the tissue.“
The endoscopic specialty instruments are in a tube on the side over the nerve hole in the spinal canal outlet. “With the filigree milling, Pliers, and laser beams I can reach any point in the surgical field, without the nerve to come to harm.” Also the risk of adhesions or scar formation is low.
The x – ray and monitor a monitored Operation will take an experienced surgeon, 30 to 45 minutes.
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The length of recovery and conservation are necessary
The Operations of the”wound” is a small hole less than a centimeter in diameter. The Patient is recovering very quickly. After about two hours, he can get up. He should not remain two nights in the hospital.
The rehabilitation time is around two weeks. In this period, the Patient carries a stabilizing and supporting corset. He should not make an effort physically, but outpatient physiotherapy to begin. After three weeks of moderate Sport (swimming, Cycling) is also possible, after six weeks of intensive loading.
For these back problems, the endoscopic SURGERY is out of the question
Suitable is the method for operations on the lumbar spine, the cervical spine just under the Title. For the frequently occurring spinal canal-stenosis, i.e., degenerative narrowing of the spinal canal, the method in question.
The herniated disc should be “soft” and not older than a few months. Later, fuses and stiffens the leaked tissue and can no longer be with the special instruments and through the thin access tube to remove.
Still a good message at the end: The statutory health insurance funds assume the costs for the endoscopic Operation.