RAPID MOBILITY RECOVERY AFTER LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION TREATMENT WITH ENDOSCOPIC SPINE SURGERY

The Department of Neurosurgery & Spine at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital recently treated a patient with lumbar disc herniation using minimally invasive endoscopic discectomy, achieving excellent results.

Rapid Mobility Recovery After Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment With Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Mr. V. (36 years old, residing in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) came to the hospital complaining of persistent lower back pain radiating down his right leg. He reported that the pain had lasted for quite some time. Despite undergoing conservative medical treatment, his symptoms did not improve. As the pain worsened and walking became increasingly difficult, he decided to seek further treatment at the Department of Neurosurgery & Spine, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital.

After a thorough clinical examination and lumbar spine MRI, Dr. Nguyen Hai Tam, Specialist Level I, diagnosed the patient with lumbar disc herniation at the L5 – S1 level. This was the cause of his lower back pain and sciatica-like symptoms in the right leg, making mobility challenging. Given the current condition, surgical removal of the herniated disc was determined to be the most appropriate treatment.

The surgical team, including Dr. Nguyen Hai Tam, Specialist Level I and Dr. Truong Cong Lam, Specialist Level I, successfully removed the herniated nucleus pulposus at L5 – S1 using minimally invasive endoscopic discectomy. The procedure lasted approximately two hours.

Dr. Tam explained that endoscopic spine surgery is a modern technique that is gradually replacing the traditional open surgical approach. It is a minimally invasive method offering several advantages: reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic results due to the incision being less than 1 cm. However, it requires the operating surgeon to possess extensive experience and high-level expertise to ensure surgical success.

Only two days after the operation, Mr. V. was discharged from the hospital in stable condition. He was able to move around normally and no longer experienced pain while walking.

Dr. Nguyen Hai Tam, Specialist Level I further noted that L5 – S1 disc herniation occurs when the disc between these two vertebrae degenerates and ruptures, causing the nucleus pulposus to protrude outward. Common symptoms include lower back pain, limited spinal mobility, and numbness in the feet or toes. Today, various surgical techniques are available to treat disc herniation, but endoscopic surgery is among the most effective, as it minimizes hospital stays, accelerates postoperative recovery, and lowers the risk of complications.