Lumbar discectomy surgery in Cheltenham

Why choose Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital for your lumbar discectomy surgery?

At Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital our state of the art spinal service is here to help you overcome your sciatica and spinal problems. Our experienced spinal surgeons specialise in a range of lower back treatments, enabling them to provide a quick diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan personalised to you and your condition.

If you suffer from herniated discs (slipped discs), then a lumbar discectomy could be the corrective surgery you need. To maintain our excellent primary care, all of our consultants have the full support from our matron-led nursing team, who take pride in providing exceptional standards of care and comfort.

All patients at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital are covered by our exclusive Nuffield Promise, which entitles patients to a treatment package inclusive of all costs and no time limits on your aftercare.

As a spinal patient at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, you will have access to our elite team of in-house physiotherapists. They will work closely with you after surgery to get you back to your feet and moving more freely.

How to book a consultation at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital

If you are suffering from back pain and want to discuss your treatment options with one of our consultants in Cheltenham, you will need to book a private consultation via our dedicated enquiry team on 01242 802781. Please let the enquiry handler know if you have had any recent X-rays or scans when booking your consultation, as there may be additional charges for any diagnostic imaging needed.

Why you might need a lumbar discectomy?

• Your back is made up of 24 hollow bones held together by fibrous plates called discs
• Your discs can become worn or injured, causing the soft centre of the disc to push out of its normal space. This is called a herniated disc
• Sometimes herniated discs put pressure on the nerves in your spine. This may make you feel pain running over your hip and down your leg called sciatic pain
• You may also feel “pins and needles” or numbness in your leg and lower back pain.

Alternatives to lumbar discectomy

When your symptoms first develop your GP may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and/or physiotherapy. If the pain remains or increases you may be offered an epidural injection.

If your symptoms persist or get worse you may be referred to a spinal consultant. They may order x-rays or an MRI scan. Based on the results of these procedures your consultant may recommend a lumbar discectomy.

Before your lumbar discectomy in Cheltenham

Before you come into hospital for your operation, you will be asked questions about your health by one of our nurses. Further "pre-assessment" questions may be asked over the phone, or you might be asked to come into the hospital for some simple tests, such as a blood test, a urine sample or swabs to check for MRSA.

What happens during lumbar discectomy surgery?

• Lumbar discectomy is usually performed under general anaesthetic
• Your surgeon will make an incision in your lower back near the affected area. They will move the muscles to expose the bones
• A very small piece of the bony cover of your spinal cord will be removed so the surgeon can access the herniated disc
• They will remove only the herniated portion of the disc relieving the pressure on nearby nerves
• The muscles will be moved back in place and both muscle and skin incisions will be closed using stitches
• A dressing will be applied to the wound.

After your lumbar discectomy at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital

Immediately after your surgery you will be taken to the recovery area. Staff will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. If you are in any pain be sure and tell the recovery room staff. When you are stable a nurse will take you to your room.

Back in your private room

• Once back in your room, our nursing team will continue to check on you to make sure you are recovering well. After you’ve recovered from any effects of the anaesthetic, you can have something to eat and drink
• In order to prevent blood clots (DVT) you may need to wear support (compression) stockings
• Sometimes patients experience difficulty in passing urine and emptying their bladder following this procedure. Be sure and tell staff if you are in any discomfort
• You may need a catheter to help you pass urine in the first few hours following your operation
• A physiotherapist will visit you to teach you some exercises and show you how to move about for the first few weeks. You may be asked to walk up and down stairs prior to discharge.

Going home following lumbar discectomy

• Depending on the extent of your surgery you may stay in hospital overnight
• You will not be able to drive so please arrange for someone to drive you home
• You will be very tired and you may need help with daily activities at first
• You should avoid heavy lifting, bending, twisting and sitting for long periods until your followup visit with your surgeon. In addition you should not drive until your followup visit
• Your stitches will need to be removed 10-14 days following surgery
• Be sure a discuss your return to work with your surgeon.

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following a lumbar discectomy. As with any surgery there can be complications:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (incision)
• Scarring
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
• Difficulty passing urine.

Specific complications of lumbar discectomy:

• Continued pain or numbness down your leg
• Numbness between your legs, loss of normal bowel and bladder control and, in men, problems with having an erection
• Tear of the thin membrane that covers the nerves in your spine
• Infection of the intervertebral disc.