Microdiscectomy (Slip Disc Surgery) in Surat

Slipped disc surgery is considered for a small group of patients:

• Persistent leg pain that matches the nerve compression seen on MRI and has not settled with non-operative treatment, usually after about six weeks, unless there is weakness or severe pain.
• Severe pain that cannot be controlled well enough to sleep, walk or work.
• Weakness in the foot or leg that is present or getting worse.
• Cauda equina syndrome: loss of bladder or bowel control with numbness between the legs (see the warning signs below). This needs same-day emergency assessment and urgent surgery.

For sciatica without weakness, Dr. Khanna usually advises about six weeks of non-operative care before discussing surgery. Surgery relieves leg pain from a pinched nerve more predictably than back pain on its own. If back pain is your main complaint, or the MRI does not match your symptoms, surgery is generally not the first answer.

• An up-to-date MRI, and your previous reports and films.
• Fitness checks and blood tests, and a review of your medicines. Blood thinners and diabetes medicines need specific instructions.
• Fasting as instructed by the anaesthetist, and stopping smoking if you smoke.
• A clear discussion of what the operation is expected to help (usually leg pain and nerve symptoms) and what it may not change.

Risks are discussed in detail before consent and differ by patient. In general terms they include:

• Infection or bleeding at the wound or around the spine.
• A tear in the membrane around the nerves, which may cause a fluid leak and needs treatment.
• Nerve injury causing weakness or numbness, which is uncommon.
• Pain that continues or returns, including the same disc slipping again.
• Anaesthesia risks and blood clots in the legs, as with other operations.

Go to a hospital emergency department the same day, without waiting for an OPD slot, if a back problem comes with:

• New or worsening weakness in a leg or foot, or a foot that drags
• Trouble passing urine, or loss of control of urine or stools
• Numbness in the groin, genitals, anus or inner thighs, pain or numbness in both legs, or a new change in sexual function
• Back or neck pain after a fall, road accident or other significant injury
• Severe back pain with fever
• Clumsy hands, an unsteady walk, or weakness or numbness in both arms or both legs

See a doctor within a day or two for back pain with unexplained weight loss or a past history of cancer. Go the same day if new weakness or numbness appears with it.