Posterior Excision of Disc Prolapse (lumbar decompression)

A posterior excision of disk prolapse, usually delivered as a form of lumbar decompression, is a procedure where a damaged disc is removed from around the spine, relieving pain and numbness in the legs caused by compression.  

The procedure is sometimes carried out with an undercutting facetectomy.

Who is suitable for a lumbar decompression?

Patients with spinal stenosis, slipped disc and sciatica, fractures or tissue swelling in the spine or cancer spreading to the spine, are often recommended a lumbar decompression.

What does a lumbar decompression involve

During the procedure, you will be placed on your front and your surgeon will make an incision over the affected area. Any bone spurs or ligaments, or the damaged disc, that is compressing the nerves will be removed. You will be placed under general anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Usually, it takes around 90 minutes.

What is the recovery period?

Your recovery may vary depending on your condition and the complexity of the surgery performed, however, most patients are able to resume light activities about eight weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will tailor your recovery plan to your needs and our dedicated physiotherapy team will work with you closely to ensure you recover as fully and as quickly as possible.

As nicotine has been shown to inhibit the ability of bone-growing cells, smoking can negatively impact your recovery from surgery. It is strongly advised to stop smoking at least two to three months before surgery.

Self-pay package

As well as working with all major insurance companies, we also welcome patients who wish to pay for themselves. We offer a range of self-pay package options, including:

  • Fixed Price Packages: these are comprehensive, all-inclusive packages that group everything you may need into one clear price. All of our Fixed Price Packages include diagnostics, procedure, all professional fees, all post-op outpatient care and any other consultant-recommended services as part of you treatment.

Below is an outline of our Fixed Price Package.

Included in the package price:

  • consultant surgeon and consultant anaesthetist procedure fees. two follow-up consultations with consultant within post-op timeframe.
  • pre-admission outpatient tests, which includes standard pathology and diagnostic tests (ECG & Chest X-ray), if required.
  • recovery and accommodation which includes a stay in a private en-suite room.
  • ward medications, dressings, and ward nursing consumables.
  • theatre procedure, including anaesthetic drugs and theatre consumables.
  • theatre prosthesis.
  • pathology and histology, if required.
  • standard post–op medication issued and used during the inpatient stay.
  • inpatient physiotherapy and surgical stockings, if required.
  • discharge medication pertaining to the condition being treated by this package.
  • all patient meals and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • return to theatres within six weeks of the procedure date due to complication.

Inclusions listed above are non-refundable if not required.

Excluded from the package price:

  • take out supplies.
  • companion beds and catering for relatives / visitors.
  • personal expenses –telephone calls, additional catering, ambulances, etc…

If additional night’s stay, diagnostics, or other services are requested from your consultant you will not be charged in addition for these as these are included within the Fixed Price Package.

Consultants offering this package:

When enquiring about this package please quote V2542.

Why choose Cromwell Hospital?

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Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.