Has anyone had a minimally invasive decompression surgery?

  • Thread starter Thread starter efang622
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This past summer, I had several back surgeries. First, a microsurgical debridement of the facet joints (2 levels, both sides) with rhizolysis (deadening of the nerves ~ small nerve fibers). I also had laminotomies, foraminotomies, and partial discectomies at 2 levels on the left. These were all considered "minimally invasive." They were done endoscopically. The purpose of the LFD (for short) was to decompress the nerve. I really didn't have a great deal of nerve pain and I cannot feel much difference. The debridement and rhizolysis helped about 40% with my low back pain especially sitting for long perioRAB of time. I think I let myself get talked into the LFD because the pathology looked so bad on MRI and my mother and husband are so overly concerned about me being on narcotics. . . and I haven't even taken one "boat load" yet!! (just a way of saying a LOT of narcotics). . . My four incisions are only about 1/2 inch long each. I tried these surgeries because the orthopedic doc recommended a fusion, but I have trouble contemplating that. I've had a spondylolisthesis that is now 32 years old. Most current evaluation was a "nasty grade 2". I hope this helps you in some way. .
 
DH is scheduled for a percutaneous disc decompression for L5-S1 and L4-L5 on sept 25. He has tried a lot of other things, trying to avoid a fusion so that he can still be able to work his physical job. Hopefully it works.
 
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I just want to know if the your surgery relieved your pain or not even mri showed it didn't work or the disc was re-harniated ?
My surgeon said I don't need discogram. but he warned me maybe I will have 30-40% chance which I still have pain and disc will be re-herniated. I will see another top surgeon on Feb 11 to see what he said. This maybe a last surgeon I will see.

Thanks!
 
Sorry Efang. DH is my hubby. He also has the herniated discs and is trying to avoid the invasive surgery. The neurosurgeon he initially went to recommended a fusion but the ortho surgeon we saw that was the 2nd opinion said that he didn't think that a fusion would necessarily be his best option at getting rid of his back and leg pain. He also said he would be on permanent disability, never to work in his line of work again (electrician).. He suggested to do this because once you start to cutting, you can't really go back.

This particular procedure he's getting, they go into the affected discs with this needle called the stryker something or other. It's supposed to remove out disc material from bulging or contained herniated discs, reducing pressure in the disc and surrounding area and provide pain relief. I'm skeptical, but he's already tried massotherapy, chiro, epidurals, facet blocks, and a boat-load of narcotics so he may as well try this. Keeping our fingers crossed.

Is this something that you were thinking of trying??
 
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