If the neurosurgeon doctor has decided for the surgery, the surgery should not be delayed any longer. Because, as a result of the delay, irreparable problems may occur, sometimes leading to paralysis, especially if the canal is narrow. On the other hand, a timely, appropriate and adequate surgical intervention can make the patient comfortable for life.
In patients who absolutely require surgery, it is beneficial to work with microtechniques that enlarge the image from the skin, not interfering with the tissues with the naked eye at any stage of the operation. Because the principle of treatment, said by Hippocrates thousands of years ago, “First of all, do not harm the patient” is still valid today. Since the surgical intervention is carried out in a narrow and deep area, and around very sensitive structures such as nerve roots, in herniated disc hernia operations, it is important that the area is well illuminated as well as working by enlarging the image. For this, the surgeon, who is the leader of the team, should take all the precautions beforehand.
It is of great benefit if the operation is performed by the same team consisting of an experienced surgeon, assistant doctor, anesthesiologist, nurse and technician who have worked together for years and have become specific in spinal surgery. Because experienced teams who have experienced thousands of surgeries together create a tremendous harmony and experience. This is reflected in the satisfactory results obtained. Even in the assistant, a specialist doctor should be preferred.
During the operation, the patient is normally in the prone position. However, there are some patients who cannot lie in this position for various reasons. Operations of such patients are performed in the side-lying position.
The aim of surgery is to remove the pressure on the nerve elements, to relieve the patient’s complaints and to increase the quality of life that has decreased.
To date, many different methods have been tried in the form of skin intervention (percutaneous). Various methods are still being studied. Significant developments are expected in the coming years regarding such approaches.
The disc can also be emptied by endoscopic technique. In addition, the microendoscopic technique, which combines the microsurgical technique and the endoscopic technique, is being used more and more widely.
Herniated disc can also be excised using microendoscopic technique.
