Keyhole Discectomy

It is a surgical procedure that is used to treat a slipped disc that is causing leg pain, numbness, weakness, etc.

What is a discectomy?

• It is a surgical procedure that is used to treat a slipped disc that is causing leg pain, numbness, weakness, etc. that has not resolved with non-operative treatment
• The aim of the procedure is to relieve the compression of the pinched nerve
• Only the herniated part of the disc is removed, leaving behind the normal tissue
• It is also used to treat cauda equina syndrome

How is a keyhole discectomy done?

• The principles are similar to microdiscectomy
• The difference is that dilators are used to separate the muscle and to rec the bone
• The rest of the procedure is then done through a special tubular retractor
• The incision is smaller compared to a microdiscectomy and there is less muscle trauma

What is endoscopic discectomy?

• It is a newer procedure that is done through a small camera that is inserted through the skin under Xray control to the targeted disc area
• The slipped disc is cleared using specialized instruments
• It is the least invasive of the techniques but requires special instruments and a surgeon trained in the procedure

Are there any risks associated?

• Like any surgery, there is a risk of complications such as anesthetic reaction, infection, DVT/PE, etc
• More specifically, there is risk of incomplete relief and a risk of recurrent slipped disc
• Your surgeon should be able to guide you through the risks specific to you