Answer:

Disc herniation surgery is a surgical intervention aimed at removing the herniated nucleus pulposus, relieving pressure on nerve roots or the spinal cord, thereby reducing pain and restoring sensation and movement. Most patients who undergo disc herniation surgery recover well, experiencing significant reductions in pain and numbness. They can typically walk after one to two days and fully restore movement after 6-8 weeks, depending on the surgical method.

In only some cases of recurrent pain, doctors may recommend a second surgery if there is an underlying cause of compression and conservative treatment proves ineffective.

Recurrence at the same site

Disc herniation can recur at the same site after surgery. With surgical methods that do not completely replace the disc, patients may experience severe pain, limited mobility, and numbness in their limbs, depending on the location of the injury. If the recurrent herniation compresses a nerve root, patients may undergo a second surgery to remove the herniated mass and prevent complications such as weakness or paralysis.

Post-surgical complications

Some patients experience complications such as infection, incomplete removal of the herniated mass, compression due to progressive spinal instability, or compression from spinal instrumentation, leading to persistent pain after the initial disc herniation surgery. In such cases, a second surgery is necessary to completely eliminate the cause of the condition and restore optimal spinal function.

Herniation at a new site

New herniations in adjacent discs or other spinal regions can cause patients to experience pain, numbness, and fatigue radiating down their legs and arms. Doctors will conduct a thorough assessment and recommend a repeat surgery to remove the new herniation if conservative treatment is ineffective.

Progressive nerve damage

If the herniated mass causes severe nerve root compression, leading to limb weakness or paralysis, loss of sensation, or bowel and bladder dysfunction, patients require immediate second disc herniation surgery. Timely intervention helps prevent permanent nerve damage and improves quality of life.

A doctor advises a patient on disc herniation surgery. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A doctor advises a patient on disc herniation surgery. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The patient's pain one year after disc herniation surgery could be due to disease recurrence or a new herniation site. The patient should visit a specialized hospital for examination and necessary tests by a doctor. Following diagnosis, doctors prioritize conservative treatments such as: pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, epidural injections, combined with physical therapy.

If symptoms do not improve after 4-6 weeks of medical treatment, doctors will consider a second surgery. Repeat disc herniation surgery is often more complex due to scar tissue and adhesions from the previous operation; sometimes spinal stabilization may be considered if there are signs of instability. The patient should seek care at a hospital with a specialized spine orthopedic department that is fully equipped to ensure safe, effective treatment and a swift recovery.

Master of Science, Doctor Nguyen Ba Ba

Department of Orthopedic Trauma

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi