Spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that successfully regulates the discus hernia problem and enables rapid recovery of the patient. The herniated disc is the movement of the disc from the intervertebral space in the loin area of the spine, with nerve root entrapment. Collapsing of the intervertebral space and loosening of the nearby ligament can leade to disc prolapse (dislocation of the disc from its bearing) and pressure on one of the nerves, causing severe pain along the leg and sometimes motor deficit (weakness or “fall” of the foot), and some more drastic problems with urination.

The operation aims to remove the compressed, or entrained nerve (disc herniation) by removing the prolapsed part of the disc. Applicants for surgical treatment of discus hernia are patients with severe pain along the leg that does not alleviate either analgesics or physical therapy, and which lasts for a long time. However, not all patients can be operated endoscopically, but only patients who do not have degenerative spinal deformities (scoliosis, spinal cord narrowing, and more). Spine surgery is a surgical procedure performed with special instruments, with only one incision, under the control of X-rays and special instruments to reach the painful site. The procedure is performed through a puncture opening on the skin, and its course is visible on the screen. Under the control of the X-ray machine, a special instrument with a diameter of less than 8 mm is inserted into the target site then a 7.9 mm wide working tube is inserted through which an endoscope of 4.2 mm diameter is inserted. Special instruments are introduced into the working canal of the endoscope to open a certain ligament, after which it enters the spinal canal.

A special instrument removes its diseased part and then identifies the crack through which part of the disc “fell out”. With great care not to extend the crack during the procedure, the mobile parts of the disc are removed through it to prevent them from falling out again. The crack is then “welded” or closed with a radiofrequency current (annuloplasty). Complete surgery requires a space of only a few millimeters, and that is enough for the surgeon to smoothly remove enough discus, and completely free the nerve.

After the procedure, patients are advised to take a three-week break, regardless of the nature of their profession. The procedure is of such nature that it enables quick recovery and return to daily life. An adequate period of rehabilitation, i.e. home treatment and adaptation to a new state, is especially important for persons engaged in physical work. They are not recommended to perform certain movements and physical maneuvers which are a provocation for the re-emergence of the discus, such as: bending and lifting loads over 10 kg, bending and straightening in the spine, rotations in the spine, and long sitting with vibrations. Spine surgery, thanks to excellent visualization (several times magnification), allows for comfortable work and minimizes the risk of complications.