Thoracic Discectomy

What Is Thoracic Discectomy?

Thoracic discectomy is a surgery to treat disc pain in the upper back, or thoracic region. The procedure involves removing most or all of the damaged disc and replacing it with an implant (thoracic disc replacement) or stabilizing the vertebrae with a thoracic spinal fusion. This provides permanent and immediate pain relief.

The spine is a remarkably complex structure. Instead of a single bone, it features 33 that interlock with one another in a chain. Each pair of bones is separated by a spinal disc, a pad of rubbery tissue with a gel-like core. These discs cushion the spine against shock and allow it to flex, twist, and bend without experiencing friction. If a disc becomes damaged, these functions are impeded. Pain from a damaged disc will not go away by itself.

When Is Thoracic Discectomy Recommended?

Thoracic discectomy is the traditional treatment for a thoracic herniated disc. This condition, which is also called a thoracic slipped disc, occurs when a spinal disc ruptures or tears. This creates a weak spot in the spinal disc wall, allowing the soft gel core to bulge outward. If the bulge enters the spinal cavity, it may compress the spinal cord or a root nerve. This is known as thoracic myelopathy or thoracic radiculopathy and is associated with the following symptoms:

• Radiating pain in the chest wall or abdomen
• Pain that travels into one or both legs
• A numb, tingling, or burning sensation in the legs
• Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Surgery is not usually the first treatment for a herniated disc. In most cases, the physician begins with conservative methods like rest, pain management medication, steroid injections, and gentle exercises. While these treatments may provide short-term relief, they often fail to address the problem at its source. If the pain does not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended as a proven and permanent solution.

Who Performs Thoracic Discectomy at NU-Spine?

At NU-Spine, patients receive treatment from our resident neurosurgeon, Branko Skovrlj, MD. Dr. Skovrlj is one of the few New Jersey neurosurgeons to focus exclusively on spine treatments. He performs all types of spine surgery, with a special interest in minimally invasive spine surgeries that deliver reliable results with less discomfort. He actively contributes to research to improve the availability and efficacy of these surgeries. These efforts have earned him worldwide recognition and multiple awards.

Despite his accolades, Dr. Skovrlj remains down to earth and committed to his patients in New Jersey. He understands back pain is often difficult to deal with, especially when it interferes with a person’s quality of life or self-confidence. He treats patients with compassion and helps them discuss their symptoms.

How Is Thoracic Discectomy Performed?

Thoracic discectomy is performed at one of NU-Spine’s state-of-the-art facilities. It is most often done under general anesthesia, which keeps the patient asleep while Dr. Skovrlj is at work. Once the anesthesia has set in, he performs the following steps:

1. He makes a tiny incision on the upper back near the herniated disc.
2. Dr. Skovrlj uses a surgical dilator to gently pull aside the back muscles, letting him access the problematic disc without cutting through.
3. Dr. Skovrlj inserts a tiny camera called an endoscope. This camera is connected to a computer monitor, providing a video feed to guide him as he operates.
4. If necessary, Dr. Skovrlj performs a thoracic laminectomy to open the space around the disc. This procedure involves removing part or all of the lamina, a structure at the back of the vertebra.
5. Using precise surgical tools, Dr. Skovrlj cuts apart and removes the herniated disc.
6. Depending on the unique case, he may perform either a disc replacement or spinal fusion.
7. He closes the incision and covers it with surgical dressing.

The procedure is completed in about one hour. It may take longer if Dr. Skovrlj determines a thoracic spinal fusion is necessary. Afterward, the patient is taken to a recovery room where they wake up from anesthesia under the supervision of trained medical staff. Most patients can go home as soon as they are awake and alert. Rarely, a single night in the hospital may be recommended.

Recovery After Thoracic Discectomy

Dr. Skovrlj provides recovery guidance once the patient is ready to leave the hospital. Patients should be careful to follow all his instructions to prevent complications and ensure the site heals successfully. His guidance may include:

• Protecting the incision site when bathing
• Limiting strenuous activities that may stress the spine
• Doing gentle exercises to strengthen back muscles
• Managing pain using prescribed or over-the-counter medications
• Monitoring the incision for infection
• Scheduling a follow-up appointment

Recovery times vary between individuals. In most cases, however, patients can return to light activities after one to two weeks. A full recovery typically takes around six weeks.

Outcomes of Thoracic Discectomy

Thoracic discectomy is a proven treatment that is widely recognized for its efficacy. Most patients experience immediate and significant relief immediately after their procedure. Though the surgery itself creates some discomfort, this is temporary and will gradually fade as the patient recovers.

Post-surgical pain is also reduced by Dr. Skovrlj’s minimally invasive methods. His surgical approach uses advanced tools to reduce the amount of cutting necessary. As a result, the body takes less surgical stress. There is less pain and bleeding afterward, and the patient recovers faster than with a traditional open surgery – letting them get back to the activities they love.

Find Back Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey

Back pain doesn’t have to last forever. Don’t wait for relief; transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Our patients experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spinal treatments like thoracic discectomy, helping them get back to their active lifestyles. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thoracic Discectomy

What does thoracic discectomy involve?

Thoracic discectomy is a surgery to remove a damaged spinal disc. It is performed on the thoracic region or the upper part of the back near the rib cage.

When is thoracic discectomy recommended?

Not all back pain requires surgery. Most treatment plans begin with conservative methods like rest and medication. Thoracic discectomy is recommended when non-invasive treatment fails to provide the relief patients are looking for.

Is thoracic discectomy effective at relieving pain?

Thoracic discectomy provides immediate and permanent relief from nerve pain caused by a herniated disc. The pain should not return to the same place after surgery.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgeries use smaller incisions than open surgery. This reduces surgical trauma, allowing for a shorter recovery with less pain and a lower risk of infection.