Intervertebral Disc Microsurgery in Austria

An operation is absolutely necessary if there are neurological disorders (paralysis) in the arms or legs. The operation should then be carried out as soon as possible. If "only" pain and numbness prevail, an operation can still be postponed, but if there is no improvement about 4 weeks after the onset of the disease and despite therapy, the operation is also recommended.

This procedure is a minimally invasive operation in which the surrounding tissue is traumatized as little as possible. The thecal sac or the spinal cord respectively, as well as the affected nerves and the herniated disc are visualized with the help of a special surgical microscope inserted through a skin incision a few centimeters long on the back. In this way, the operation can be carried out particularly safely (without damaging the nerves).

Since a cervical disc surgery is usually operated from the front and the disc is completely removed, a replacement must then be fitted as an interposition. So-called carbon cages, which are available in different sizes, have proven very effective. Although the two affected vertebrae are permanently connected, the patient's mobility is not restricted in any way.

The operation takes about one hour and is usually performed under general anesthesia, but spinal anesthesia is also possible.

The patient is able to get up the day after the operation and physiotherapy is started. After about 4 days, the patient can leave the hospital. You should rest physically for about 6 weeks, then you can pursue all your activities again.