Non-invasive lumbar disc surgery is an effective way to reduce pain and improve spine function without the need for open surgery. In these methods, the pressure on the nerves is usually reduced by using techniques such as laser or injection. Non-invasive lumbar disc surgery is considered a suitable option for many patients due to the short recovery period and lower risk. Of course, choosing this method should be done with the opinion of a specialist and based on the patient's condition. What is minimally invasive lumbar disc surgery? In fact, non-invasive lumbar disc operation is a new approach in the treatment of disc protrusion or rupture, which aims to reduce pain, restore movement ability and prevent the progression of the disease. In this method, unlike traditional open surgeries, large incisions and extensive damage to surrounding muscles and tissues are avoided. For this reason, the patient experiences a shorter recovery period and usually returns to normal life sooner. Modern surgeries in this field, using advanced tools, such as a surgical microscope or an endoscope, are able to remove the pressure on the nerve roots with minimal manipulation. Compared to classical methods, the possibility of complications is significantly less in these techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of non-invasive disc operations
Lumbar disc surgery has significant advantages such as reduced postoperative pain, reduced bleeding during surgery, shorter hospital stay and reduced risk of infection. Also, the patient can usually return to daily activities within a few days to a few weeks. However, this method also has limitations. For example, in cases where the disc damage is very extensive or there are severe structural changes in the spine, non-invasive surgery is not possible. On the other hand, the need for advanced equipment and trained surgeons makes this procedure not available in all medical centers. Therefore, the final decision about choosing this type of surgery should be made after a complete examination of the patient's condition. Suitable candidates for disc surgery without general anesthesia
Patients who suffer from lumbar disc protrusion with symptoms such as severe leg pain (sciatica), numbness or weakness of the lower limbs and have not responded to drug or physical therapy are good candidates for non-invasive lumbar disc surgery. These types of surgeries are usually performed under spinal anesthesia or local anesthesia. For this reason, they are considered a much safer option for elderly patients or people with heart and lung problems. Also, people who are looking for a quick return to daily activities and work can benefit from these surgeries. The choice of the exact type of surgical procedure depends on the opinion of the expert and may be performed in the form of **microscopic surgery of the lumbar disc** or other advanced techniques. Common methods in non-invasive lumbar disc surgery
Today, there are several common methods in the field of modern surgeries to treat disc problems. These techniques are chosen depending on the condition of the patient, the degree of disc protrusion and the doctor's opinion. Methods such as disc endoscopy, laser, discogel injection and even minimally invasive spinal fusion techniques are all designed to reduce pressure on the nerve root and restore spinal function. Some of these methods do not require a long hospitalization and the patient can be discharged after a short period of time. In the following, each of these techniques will be examined in detail. ### Lumbar disc endoscopy
In the endoscopic procedure, which is one of the most common techniques of closed lumbar disc surgery, a narrow tube equipped with a camera is inserted into the spine through a small incision. With the help of this camera, the surgeon can observe the exact location of the injury and remove the protruding parts of the disc. The main advantage of this non-invasive lumbar disc surgery method is the small surgical incision and, as a result, the reduction of bleeding and postoperative pain. The patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same day or the day after the operation. This method of closed lumbar disc surgery is especially useful for patients whose disc is locally protruded. ### Laser disc
Disc laser is one of the minimally invasive methods during which a laser beam is irradiated into the disc. This energy causes the evaporation of part of the internal material of the disc and thus reduces the pressure on the nerve roots. This technique is performed without a large incision and is often performed under local anesthesia. Its most important advantage is the rapid reduction of pain and the possibility of returning the patient to daily activities in a short period of time. Of course, it should be noted that this method is not suitable for all patients and is mostly used in cases where the disc has a mild or moderate protrusion. ### Discogel and other disc therapy injections
Discogel injection is one of the non-surgical methods of disc treatment, during which a gel-like substance is injected into the disc. This substance reduces the volume of the disc and thus relieves the pressure on the nerves. The main advantage of this non-invasive lumbar disc surgery technique is that it can be performed quickly, without the need for surgical incisions and without general anesthesia. The patient will usually be able to walk a few hours after the injection. In addition to discogel, steroid injection or ozone are also other injection methods that are used in some patients. Of course, the effect of these treatments may be temporary in some patients, and in case of recurrence of symptoms, more advanced minimally invasive surgeries are suggested. ### Minimally invasive spinal fusion techniques
Fusion methods are used in patients who have spinal instability in addition to disc protrusion. In minimally invasive fusion techniques, with small incisions and special tools, the damaged vertebrae are welded together to maintain the stability of the spine. Unlike open fusion, this method causes less damage to the muscles and has a shorter recovery period. Usually, screws and small rods are used to fix the nuts. Patients who suffer from chronic pain caused by instability of vertebrae can benefit from this method. Although it is more complicated than simpler methods, it brings successful and stable results in many patients. Recovery period and care after non-invasive lumbar disc surgery
The recovery period after non-invasive surgeries is much shorter than open surgery. Patients are usually able to walk within a few days and can resume light activities after a few weeks. It is recommended to follow tips such as avoiding lifting heavy objects, doing stretching exercises and physiotherapy. Regular post-operative visits help the doctor monitor the healing process. Meanwhile, choosing an experienced surgeon is very important. Dr. Yazdan Panahi, as one of the leading specialists in the spine field, has a successful experience in performing non-invasive lumbar disc surgery and other minimally invasive procedures. His patients are usually highly satisfied with the treatment results and return to normal life faster.
