Herniated Disc Surgery

About 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. After the age of 30, the frequency of back pain increases annually by 30%. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for work absences among adults.

For 90% of patients experiencing back pain for the first time, the condition improves within a month without specific treatment. However, some patients develop chronic pain that requires surgical intervention to relieve symptoms.

The degeneration of the intervertebral disc is the primary cause of back pain. The spinal disc consists of a fibrous cartilage ring surrounding a gel-like core. The tough outer layer encases the soft, jelly-like center, which acts as a shock absorber for the spine.

With age, the disc’s outer layer loses elasticity, dries out, and develops cracks. The disc’s core may protrude into the spinal canal, where the spinal nerves are located. This condition is known as spinal disc herniation in Israel. Typically, the pain radiates from the back down to the legs due to nerve compression. Spinal hernia in Israel can cause tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the legs. In severe cases, pressure on the nerve roots and weakened ligaments may lead to cauda equina syndrome, a condition requiring urgent herniated disc surgery in Israel.

The goal of herniated disc surgery is to remove part of the disc through the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the nerve roots. At Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), patients undergo thorough evaluation, including MRI scans, before surgery.

If diagnostics confirm the diagnosis and herniated disc surgery in Israel is performed on time, patients typically experience significant improvement, relief from leg numbness, and elimination of back pain.

Herniated disc surgery in Israel is performed under general anesthesia. The patient lies face down, and the minimally invasive procedure is done through a 5 cm incision using endoscopic equipment.

The surgeon opens the spinal canal at the herniation site, accesses the dural sac, gently retracts the herniated material with microsurgical tools, and removes the disc fragment compressing the spinal nerves. This technique, known as microdiscectomy, allows precise nerve decompression under a microscope without damaging surrounding tissues.

Another method is endoscopic discectomy. In this procedure, the herniated disc is removed using a spinal endoscope inserted through a 3 mm skin incision under video guidance. Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive method that enables patients to be discharged the next day.

After herniated disc surgery in Israel, patients spend approximately two hours in the post-operative room and are then transferred to the orthopedic ward. Pain medications are provided as needed. Patients are encouraged to stand and walk in the ward shortly after surgery.

Following discharge, patients are advised to avoid sudden movements, minimize spinal strain, and limit sitting for 3–4 weeks. Two months after surgery, patients can typically return to work that does not involve physical exertion.