Lumbar Micro Endoscopic Discectomy (MED) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to address herniated discs in the lumbar (lower) spine. It offers a less traumatic alternative to traditional open discectomy, aiming to relieve pain and improve function with a faster recovery.
MED utilizes a small incision and an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light) to visualize and remove the herniated portion of the disc. Key features include:
- Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions result in less tissue damage, reduced blood loss, and decreased post-operative pain.
- Endoscopic Visualization: The endoscope provides magnified, high-definition images of the surgical site, allowing for precise removal of the herniated disc.
- Targeted Approach: Only the herniated portion of the disc is removed, preserving healthy disc tissue.
- Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience a quicker return to normal activities compared to open surgery.