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The Surgery Center of Middle TennesseeThe Surgery Center of Middle Tennessee

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Lumbar Discectomy

A lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of a herniated, or ruptured, disc which pads and separates the vertebrae in the lower back. This alleviates pressure placed on the nerve root.

What to expect

Lumbar discectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia while the patient is lying face down or in a kneeling position. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin over the affected area of the spine. Muscle tissue is removed from the bone above and below the affected disc while retractors hold the muscle and skin away from the area so the surgeon has a clear view of the vertebrae and disc. In some cases, bone and ligaments may have to be removed for the surgeon to be able to gain access to the disc without damaging the nerve tissue.

Once the surgeon can see the vertebrae, disc and other surrounding structures, he or she will remove the section of the disc that is protruding from the disc wall and any other disc fragments that may have broken off from the disc. Some surgeons will implant a special foam pad or piece of fat over the nerve to prevent scar tissue from growing onto the nerve. The incision is then closed with sutures and the patient is taken to a recovery room.

How to prepare

Patients will be examined prior to surgery to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. Smokers should cut down or stop in the days before the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. Loose clothing is recommended for ease of dressing after the procedure, and arrangements should be made for a ride home. The doctor will advise the patient of any medications prohibited before the surgery.

ACL Repair Anterior Cervical Fusion (ACF) Arthrodesis Blepharoplasty Bunion/Hammer Toe Correction Cataract Surgery Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Treatments Corneal Transplants Disc Decompression Dupuytren's Surgery Epidural Steroid Injection Eye Exams and Consultations Eyelid Surgery for Aging Eyes Facet Joint Injections Ganglion Mass Excision General Anesthesia Glaucoma Laser Treatments IOLs Implantable Contact Lenses Intercostal Nerve Blocks Intrathecal Pumps – Trial and Implant Joint Arthroscopy: Knee, Shoulder and Ankle Joint Injections Ligament Repair Lumbar Discectomy Lumbar Laminectomy Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) Oculoplastics & Reconstructive Surgery Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) Orthopedic Procedures Pain Stimulator Insertion (Spinal Cord Stimulation) Peripheral Nerve Blocks Plantar Fasciotomy Pterygium Surgery Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Radiofrequency Lesioning Repair of Fractures, Tendons, Nerves Rotator Cuff Repair Sacral Nerve Stimulation Sacroiliac Joint Injection Selective Nerve Blocks (SNRB) Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Spine Procedures Strabismus Surgery Sympathetic Ganglion Ablations Sympathetic Nerve Blocks Tenosynovectomy Trabeculectomy Trigger Point Injections Vision Services Vitrectomy YAG Laser Procedure
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The Surgery Center of Middle Tennessee
1050 North James Campbell Blvd., Suite 120,
Columbia, TN 38401

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