How Long Does Disc Replacement Surgery Take?

Damage to spinal discs can cause back and neck pain that makes it hard to do everyday things. When medications, physical therapy, and changes to your lifestyle don't help, disc replacement surgery may be the best option. One of the most common questions patients have is, "How long does disc replacement surgery take?"

If you're thinking about getting treatment from the Best Neurosurgeon in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City, knowing how long the surgery will take and how long it will take to recover can help you get ready.

What Is the Surgery to Replace a Disc?

Also called artificial disc replacement, disc replacement surgery is a procedure in which a damaged spinal disc is taken out and replaced with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve nerve compression while still allowing the spine to move. This is different from spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae.

People often have this surgery for:

• Discs that have slipped out of place

• Degenerative disc disease

• Pain in the neck or lower back that lasts a long time

• Pain in the arm or leg from nerve compression

How long does surgery to replace a disc take?

It usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours to do disc replacement surgery. But the exact amount of time depends on a number of things:

1. Where the Disc Is

Replacement of a cervical (neck) disc: This usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Replacing a lumbar (lower back) disc could take two to three hours.

It usually takes a little longer to do lumbar procedures because getting to the lower spine is so hard.

2. How many discs are being replaced

Replacing a single-level disc takes less time.

Multi-level disc replacement can make surgery take longer.

3. The patient's health

Patients who have had spine surgery before, are overweight, or have other medical problems may need more time in surgery for safety.

4. Knowledge of surgery and the hospital's infrastructure

At Sarvesh Health City in Hisar, you can choose the best neurosurgeon. They will help you plan your surgery efficiently, use the latest technology, and have experienced support staff, all of which will help make your surgery as safe and quick as possible.

What Goes On During the Surgery?

Knowing what to expect can make the process less scary.

Step 1: Get the anesthesia

You will be asleep and pain-free during the whole procedure because you will be given general anesthesia.

Step 2: Getting to the surgery

To replace a cervical disc, the surgeon makes a small cut in the front of the neck.

To safely get to the spine for lumbar disc replacement, the cut is usually made in the stomach.

Step 3: Take out the broken disc

The damaged disc is carefully taken out to relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine.

Step 4: Putting in the fake disc

An artificial disc is put between the vertebrae. The implant is made to move and bend like a real body part.

Step 5: Closing

Sutures or staples are used to close the incision.

The actual surgery usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours, but the time spent in the operating room may be a little longer because of preparation and anesthesia.

How long will you be in the hospital?

Most patients stay in the hospital for:

• 1 to 2 days after getting a new cervical disc

• Two to three days after replacing a lumbar disc

• Some patients may even be sent home within 24 hours if they are recovering well.

At Sarvesh Health City, monitoring after surgery makes sure that pain is under control, that the patient can move around early, and that they can leave safely.

How long does it take to get better?

Patients are told to walk within 24 hours of having surgery. It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable, but you can take medicine to help.

• Go back to your daily activities

• Activities that are light: 2–4 weeks

• Work in the office: 2 to 6 weeks

• 8 to 12 weeks of heavy lifting or hard work

It may take 3 to 6 months for a person to fully heal, depending on how well they respond to treatment and how well they stick to physiotherapy.

Things That Affect Surgery and Recovery Time

There are a number of things that affect how long the surgery and recovery take:

• Age

• Health in general

• How people smoke

• Being fit

• How bad the damage to the disc is

• Rehabilitation after surgery

When you see the best neurosurgeon in Hisar, you can be sure that your treatment and recovery plan will be made just for you.

Is it safe to have disc replacement surgery?

When done on the right patients, disc replacement surgery has a high success rate. It has advantages like:

• Keeping the spine moving

• Faster recovery than fusion

• Less stress on nearby spinal segments

• Less likely to get stiff over time

At Sarvesh Health City, advanced imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and skilled surgeons all work together to make procedures safer and more successful.

Benefits of Choosing Sarvesh Health City

When thinking about spinal surgery, it's just as important to pick the right hospital as it is to pick the right procedure.

Sarvesh Health City has:

• Specialists in spine and neuro who have a lot of experience

• Advanced operating rooms

• Modern imaging centers

• Full care after surgery

• Rehabilitation programs that are tailored to you

Sarvesh Health City is the best place to find a neurosurgeon in Hisar. They offer expert advice, accurate diagnoses, and treatment based on evidence.

When should you think about having disc replacement surgery?

You might be able to get this if:

• Pain lasts more than six months even after conservative treatment.

• MRI shows that the disc is getting worse.

• Weakness or numbness is caused by nerve compression.

• You want to keep your spine flexible.

Before making a decision, it is important to get a thorough evaluation from a qualified spine specialist.

Last Thoughts

So, how long does it take to have disc replacement surgery? Most of the time, the procedure takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. The patient stays in the hospital for a short time and recovers more quickly than with traditional fusion surgery.

But each patient is different. A detailed consultation with the Best Neurosurgeon in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City is the best way to find out the exact time of the surgery and what to expect during recovery.

Getting diagnosed early and getting treatment right away can help you move around again, feel less pain, and have a better life.

Questions that are often asked (FAQs)

Q1. Does disc replacement surgery hurt?

Ans. General anesthesia will keep you from feeling pain during surgery. After surgery, mild pain is normal and can be treated with medicine.

Q2. How long after disc replacement surgery can I walk?

Ans. Most patients are told to walk within 24 hours of having surgery.

Q3. How long will it be before I can go back to work?

Ans. Depending on how well they recover, people with desk jobs can often go back to work in 2 to 6 weeks.

Q4. Is it better to replace a disc than to fuse the spine?

Ans. Disc replacement keeps movement, but fusion limits it. Based on your condition, your surgeon will suggest the best option.