Lumbar disc herniation surgery

Between each pair of vertebrae lies a disc that cushions movement. With age or after strain, this disc can tear and part of its contents can bulge backwards: this is a disc herniation (slipped disc). In the lower back (lumbar region), it presses on a nerve root and causes pain that travels down the leg, called sciatica or femoral nerve pain depending on the nerve affected. In most cases, the pain improves within a few weeks with medical treatment: painkillers, relative rest, physiotherapy and sometimes an injection. Surgery is only offered when pain persists despite this treatment, or straight away in case of paralysis or bladder problems. The operation, called a discectomy, is done through a small incision in the lower back, using an operating microscope or an endoscope. The surgeon gently moves the nerve aside and removes only the disc fragment pressing on it. The rest of the disc is left in place. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, MRI and electromyography can be performed on site, and the operation takes place in the operating theatre with a short hospital stay. The surgeon explains which movements to avoid and the stages of returning to normal activity.