Microdiscectomy is the gold standard treatment for disc herniation. When disc problems arise in the thoracic spine, however, it can be difficult for patients to find the treatment they need. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, performs thoracic microdiscectomy and other spine procedures at locations near you throughout New Jersey. Learn why thoracic microdiscectomy is difficult to perform and where patients can find a surgeon who is equal to the challenge.
Key Takeaways
- Disc herniation occurs when the core of a spinal disc bulges through the disc wall to impinge on the spinal cord, causing intense pain and neurological symptoms.
- Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that treats disc herniation by removing all or most of the offending disc.
- The thoracic spine supports the ribcage. Its anatomy makes it sturdy but uniquely challenging to operate on without complications.
- Branko Skovrlj at NU-Spine has expertise in performing thoracic microdiscectomies.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the outer layer of a spinal disc becomes damaged. The weakened disc wall allows the gel-filled core to bulge outward, pressing against nearby tissues, including the spinal cord.
Spinal discs are pads of tissue located between vertebrae. Their structure is often compared to that of jelly doughnuts: a tough, rubbery exterior surrounding a soft, gel-filled core. The role of spinal discs is to cushion the spine and absorb shock, protecting the vertebrae against damage, and allowing smooth, frictionless movement when the spine flexes and rotates.
Disc herniation causes symptoms such as:
- Pain in the upper or middle back
- Sharp pain that travels into the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of strength in the legs
- Loss of urinary or bowel control
Disc herniation does not get better on its own. Instead, it typically worsens over time, resulting in serious nerve impingement and nerve damage if left untreated.
What Is a Microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy is widely regarded as the benchmark treatment for disc herniation and is considered a minimally invasive discectomy. While the patient is under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes a tiny incision. A specialized camera called an endoscope is used to guide the surgeon’s work while he removes all or most of the offending disc. The spine is then stabilized with a disc replacement or spinal fusion, depending on the patient’s needs.
Microdiscectomy takes 30 to 60 minutes, and patients can typically go home soon after they wake. If a spinal fusion is required, the procedure may take several hours. A brief hospital stay is required after spinal fusion to ensure a successful start to the healing process.
Why Are Thoracic Microdiscectomies Challenging?
The thoracic spine is the upper back. It consists of the twelve vertebrae that connect to the ribcage, providing support for the heart and lungs. These bones are exceptionally stable, meaning that thoracic spine conditions are relatively rare compared to cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) conditions. When they arise, however, that same stability makes treatment challenging. The thoracic spine is uniquely difficult to operate on for the following reasons:
- Limited space: The ribcage limits access to the front of the spine, meaning surgeons can only access it from the side or back.
- Increased pain: Because surgeons must approach the spine from the back, significant muscle cutting is required. This leads to increased pain and a longer recovery.
- High risk: The thoracic spine is close to several vital organs, including the heart and lungs. This proximity increases the risk of serious complications.
Operating on the thoracic spine requires exceptional skill. For this reason, few surgeons will perform thoracic procedures, including microdiscectomies. Continuing with conservative treatments is often deemed safer than taking a risk with surgery.
Thoracic Spine Surgeries at NU-Spine
At NU-Spine, spine surgeries are performed by the award-winning Dr. Branko Skovrlj. He is one of the few neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus solely on the spine, and he has extensive experience with complex and delicate operations. Unlike other doctors in the region, Dr. Skovrlj can perform thoracic microdiscectomy with a low risk of complications.
Dr. Skovrlj performs transforaminal endoscopic thoracic discectomy. This procedure approaches the spine from the side, allowing the surgeon full access to the herniated disc through the foramen. It eliminates the extensive cutting required by a posterior (back) approach and does not require access to the chest cavity, as with an anterior (front) approach. As a result, the surgery comes with a lower risk of complications and an easier recovery for the patient.
Seek Thoracic Microdiscectomy Surgery Near You in New Jersey
When in need of complex treatment, it’s important to find a surgeon with the right expertise. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, where Dr. Skovrlj performs cutting-edge and complex procedures like thoracic microdiscectomies. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey locations near you.