Open Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

Creator: Prof. Dr. Selim Kayacı
Published: 2024-09-19T00:34:43+03:00

Regain Your Freedom of Movement

At A Life Health Group, we provide information about open lumbar disc herniation surgery. We also offer details on treatment options and the postoperative recovery process. Symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, and surgical techniques are included in this guide. All the details patients may be curious about regarding the process are also covered here.

You can contact A Life Health Group to protect your spinal health. Say goodbye to back pain, live pain-free, and regain your freedom of movement. Our experienced specialist team is here to assist you.

What Is Open Lumbar Disc Herniation?

Open lumbar disc herniation occurs when the discs in the spine weaken, tear, or bulge outward. This deterioration in the discs compresses the nerve roots within the spinal canal, leading to symptoms such as lower back pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling sensations in the legs. In advanced stages, this condition can significantly restrict a patient’s daily movements.

Open lumbar disc herniation surgery is an effective surgical method performed to relieve the pressure that the herniated disc exerts on the nerves. Today, some patients may be treated with minimally invasive (micro-surgical) techniques. However, for advanced cases or patients experiencing severe pain, open lumbar disc surgery may be necessary.

What Are the Symptoms of Open Lumbar Disc Herniation?

The symptoms of open lumbar disc herniation may vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. The most common symptoms include:

Lower back pain: Pain that worsens with movement and intensifies when coughing or sneezing.
Leg pain: Pain radiating to the hips and legs, restricting daily activities.
Numbness and tingling: Sensations felt in the legs, feet, or lower back area.
Muscle weakness: Difficulty walking, loss of strength, and limited mobility.
Loss of bladder or bowel control: In advanced cases, impaired control of urination or defecation.

If these symptoms progress, they can lead to serious functional loss. Especially in cases where pain persists after lumbar disc surgery or numbness continues to worsen, a timely treatment plan should be initiated without delay.

What Are the Causes of Open Lumbar Disc Herniation?

Open lumbar disc herniation can develop due to various factors. The most common causes include:

Aging: Loss of flexibility in the intervertebral discs.
Excess weight: Increases the load on the lower back, leading to herniation.
Occupational strain: Frequent bending, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting.
Trauma: Damage to the discs following an accident or injury.
Congenital structural abnormalities: Pre-existing spinal deformities from birth.

These factors not only trigger the formation of a herniated disc but also influence the choice of surgical technique in the treatment process.

How Is Open Lumbar Disc Herniation Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis before surgery is the most critical step in planning treatment. The following methods are commonly used:

Physical examination: Evaluates the location of lower back pain and the presence of nerve compression.
X-ray: Assesses the structure of the spine and bones.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed visualization of the herniated disc and its pressure on the nerve roots.
EMG test: Measures the electrical activity of the nerves.

Based on these evaluations, the physician determines whether the lumbar disc herniation surgery should be performed using an open or minimally invasive (closed) technique.

Open Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

Open lumbar disc herniation surgery is performed when conservative treatments fail or when severe pain significantly affects quality of life. The primary goal of the surgery is to relieve pressure on the nerve roots and help the patient return to normal daily activities.

At A Life Health Group, the surgical process is carefully planned according to the patient’s overall health condition, as well as the location and size of the herniation. Our team of specialists closely monitors the pre- and postoperative phases to enhance your quality of life.

How Is Open Lumbar Hernia Surgery Performed?

Patients often wonder, “How is open lumbar hernia surgery performed?” This procedure is done by removing the herniated disc fragments that put pressure on the nerve roots.

How long does open lumbar hernia surgery take? It usually takes around 1–2 hours.
Open lumbar hernia surgery can be performed using the disc removal method. In this procedure, the damaged disc is either completely removed or only the part that compresses the nerve is cleaned.
In some cases, only the small fragment pressing on the nerve is removed.

Recovery Process After Open Lumbar Hernia Surgery

The recovery process after open lumbar hernia surgery varies. This depends on the patient’s age, weight, health condition, and the size of the hernia.

How many days does it take to recover from open hernia surgery? Most patients can return to their daily activities within 4–6 weeks.
In the first few days after back surgery, mild pain, weakness, and fatigue may occur.
Hip pain after hernia surgery is usually related to the healing process of the nerves and decreases in a short time.
After lumbar hernia surgeries, doctor approval is required before returning to heavy work.
Pain after lumbar hernia surgery decreases with regular exercise, physical therapy, and medication.

Proper care and regular follow-up make this process much more comfortable.

What Should Be Done After Open Lumbar Hernia Surgery

The following precautions should be taken after the surgery:

Follow the doctor’s recommendations and take medications regularly.
Avoid lifting heavy objects during the first weeks.
Take regular walks but avoid sudden movements.
Start appropriate exercises early to strengthen the lower back muscles.
Avoid sitting for long periods and choose ergonomic sitting positions.

These measures accelerate the recovery process after open lumbar hernia surgery.

Reviews of Open Lumbar Hernia Surgery

Reviews of open lumbar hernia surgery show how patients experience the surgical process. Some patients stand up quickly, while others recover more slowly. Regular check-ups and doctor’s advice help accelerate recovery.

As A Life Health Group, we do not leave our patients alone after hernia surgery and provide professional support at every stage.

The Difference of A Life Health Group in Open Lumbar Hernia Surgery

Expert Medical Team: We provide services with an experienced and specialized medical team in the field of open lumbar hernia surgery.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We create customized treatment plans according to the needs of each patient.
Safe and Effective Treatment Methods: We use the latest technology and safe treatment methods.
Patient Satisfaction and Trust: The satisfaction of our patients is our priority.
Confidentiality: The privacy of your health information is extremely important to us.

Contact Us Immediately!

The decision for open lumbar hernia surgery is important for patients experiencing nerve compression and severe pain. This surgery improves patients’ quality of life. Depending on the patient’s condition, it is decided whether the lumbar hernia surgery will be open or closed. However, proper evaluation before the surgery and following recommendations afterward are critical for a healthy recovery.

A Life Health Group is by your side at every stage, from spine health to quality of life. You can contact our expert team for a healthy recovery process after the surgery.