Discectomy

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₱ 0
maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is Discectomy ​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Discectomy ?

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Why do you need Discectomy ?

Discectomy is indicated for:

  • Herniated disc: Disc material protrudes, compressing nerves or the spinal cord, causing:
    • Lumbar: Sciatica (leg pain), numbness, or weakness in the legs/feet.
    • Cervical: Neck pain, arm pain (radiculopathy), or weakness.
  • Degenerative disc disease: When disc breakdown causes nerve compression, often with spinal stenosis.
  • Failed conservative treatment: Persistent symptoms after 6–12 weeks of non-surgical treatment (e.g., physiotherapy, medications, injections).
  • Neurological deficits: Progressive weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control (cauda equina syndrome in lumbar herniation—emergency).
  • Severe pain: Disabling pain impacting quality of life.

The procedure aims to relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, and restore function, often preserving the remaining disc to maintain spinal stability.

Why Do Discectomy Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Discectomy Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • MRI or CT scan confirms disc herniation and nerve compression.
      • X-rays assess spinal alignment and stability.
      • Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies confirm nerve involvement.
      • Blood tests ensure fitness for surgery (e.g., coagulation, hemoglobin).
    • Medications: Pain relief (e.g., NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or steroids for inflammation.
    • Consent: Risks, including infection or nerve injury, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Open Discectomy (Traditional):
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.
      • Lumbar:
        • A 3–5 cm midline incision is made in the lower back.
        • Muscles are retracted to expose the lamina (bone covering the spinal canal).
        • A small portion of the lamina (laminotomy) may be removed to access the disc.
        • The herniated disc fragment is removed (microdiscectomy if using a microscope), relieving nerve pressure.
        • The incision is closed with sutures.
      • Cervical:
        • Often combined with fusion (see ACDF); standalone discectomy is rare.
    • Microdiscectomy:
      • Most common for lumbar herniations, minimally invasive, lasting 1–1.5 hours.
      • A 1–2 cm incision is made, using a microscope or loupes for precision.
      • Minimal bone removal; the herniated fragment is removed, preserving most of the disc.
    • Endoscopic Discectomy:
      • Minimally invasive, using a small incision (0.5–1 cm) and an endoscope.
      • Performed under local or general anesthesia, ideal for lateral herniations.
    • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF):
      • For cervical herniations, lasting 1–3 hours.
      • A 3–5 cm incision is made in the front of the neck.
      • The disc is removed, and a bone graft or cage is inserted to fuse the vertebrae, often with a plate/screws for stability.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Fluoroscopy: Real-time X-ray ensures proper level and nerve decompression.
      • Neuromonitoring: Tracks nerve function to avoid injury.
  • After Surgery:
    • Ward monitoring for 1–3 days; hospital stay of 1–3 days (microdiscectomy/endoscopic) or 2–5 days (ACDF).
    • Pain management: Analgesics (e.g., paracetamol, tramadol) for 1–2 weeks.
    • Antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin) for 1–2 days to prevent infection.
    • Physical therapy: Starts within 1–2 weeks to improve mobility and strength.
    • Cervical collar (ACDF): Worn for 2–6 weeks to support fusion.

Recovery After Discectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: 1–3 days (microdiscectomy); 2–5 days (ACDF).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain: Incision discomfort for 1–2 weeks; nerve pain (e.g., sciatica) improves over weeks.
    • Activity: Light walking on day 1; avoid bending, twisting, or lifting (>5 kg) for 4–6 weeks.
    • Lumbar: No brace typically needed; maintain good posture.
    • Cervical (ACDF): Collar for 2–6 weeks; avoid neck strain.
    • Physical therapy: Starts at 1–2 weeks; focuses on core strength (lumbar) or neck mobility (cervical).
    • Driving: Avoid for 2–4 weeks until pain-free and off narcotics.
  3. Diet: Normal diet; high-protein foods (e.g., eggs, lentils) support healing; 2–3 liters water daily.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months; X-rays (ACDF) to monitor fusion.
    • MRI/CT if symptoms persist or recur.

Most resume normal activities in 4–6 weeks (microdiscectomy) or 6–8 weeks (ACDF). Symptom relief occurs in 80–90% of cases; success rates for pain reduction are 85–95%.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks: Bleeding (1–2%), infection (1–3%), CSF leak (1–2% from dural tear).
  • Neurological Complications:
    • Nerve injury (1–2%): Temporary or permanent numbness/weakness.
    • Recurrent disc herniation (5–10%): At the same level, often within 1–2 years.
  • ACDF-Specific: Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty, 5–10%, temporary), hoarseness (2–5%), non-union (failure to fuse, 5%).
  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, blood clots (DVT, <1%).
  • Long-Term: Adjacent segment disease (5–10% over 10 years), chronic pain.

Report fever, severe pain, or neurological changes promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a herniated disc?

Disc degeneration, trauma, or repetitive strain (e.g., heavy lifting, poor posture); risk factors include age, obesity, and smoking.

Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?

Yes, 70–80% improve with conservative treatment (e.g., physiotherapy, injections) within 6–12 weeks; surgery is for persistent/severe cases.

Will I lose spinal mobility?

Minimal impact with microdiscectomy; ACDF reduces motion at the fused level (10–20% overall neck motion loss).

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities in 1–2 weeks, normal routines in 4–8 weeks.

Is discectomy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for symptomatic herniations with neurological deficits; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, new numbness/weakness, or bowel/bladder issues.

Can the disc herniate again?

Yes, 5–10% risk at the same level; maintaining good posture and weight reduces risk.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks, maintain proper posture, continue physiotherapy, and follow up regularly.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Discectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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