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Quality Discectomy & Spinal Disc Removal in Las Vegas, NV

Discectomy is a surgical procedure to partially or fully remove a spinal disc, the soft tissue cushion located between the vertebral bones of the spine. Neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons perform this type of back surgery.

Use our Find a Doctor tool or call 702.616.4900 to locate a skilled surgeon at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican who specializes in discectomy in the Greater Las Vegas and Henderson area.

 

When Should You Consider Surgical Discectomy?

Your doctor may recommend a discectomy for ruptured, herniated, or degenerated discs if you have:

  • An inability to control your bladder or bowels due to nerve damage or compression
  • Problems walking or doing other daily tasks
  • Leg or back numbness, weakness, or pain that doesn’t improve in six or more weeks after treatment with physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications

 

What To Expect from Your Discectomy at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican

Discectomy can be either a minimally invasive microdiscectomy or an open surgery. The microdiscectomy uses a small incision, usually less than an inch. The open surgery involves a two- to four-inch incision down your spine. Minimally invasive back surgery generally involves a lower risk of complications, less pain, and a faster recovery than open back surgery.

Depending on the type of surgery, you will receive general or spinal anesthesia.

Possible risks and complications of discectomy include:

  • Pain that returns or does not get better
  • Damage to the nerves leaving your spine, which could result in permanent weakness or pain
  • Injury to the organs and tissues near the area
  • Disc fragments that remain, which may require another surgery to remove them
  • Bleeding
  • Reactions to anesthesia
  • Infections
  • Blood clots

Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize your risks.

 

Recovering from Discectomy in Las Vegas, NV

You will spend a couple of days in the hospital after discectomy. Physical therapy will be necessary to help you recover. Talk to your therapist or surgeon about when it is safe to return to your normal activities. Full recovery can take up to eight weeks. It may take more time for you to return to full activities at work if you have a job that requires heavy lifting or operating heavy machinery that vibrates, such as a jackhammer.

Learning strategies to protect your back will help prevent future problems. This includes good posture, exercise to strengthen your back muscles, using proper lifting techniques, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

At Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican, we have extensive experience in performing discectomy in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV to treat back conditions and injuries.