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Operating techniques
About the treatment
Microsurgery
Procedure
Under general anesthesia, the patient is positioned on his or her back. The surgeon makes a 4-5 cm incision in the neck. Using microsurgery magnifying glasses, he removes the intervertebral disc, osteoarthritis or herniated disc to decompress the affected spinal cord or nerve.
Steps and Benefits
- An implant (interbody cage) is placed between the two vertebrae to prevent future compression.
- The incision is closed with a few staples to minimize scarring.
- This technique effectively decompresses nerve structures, reducing pain and preventing recurrence.
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Hospitalisation
Hospital stay: 1 night; return home the following day.
A follow-up X-ray will be taken before discharge, either the same day or the following morning.
Return Home
A nurse will visit every day for post-operative care and anticoagulation (depending on the case).
Dressings will be changed every 2 days.
Staples will be removed after 8 days. A check-up with the surgeon is scheduled 1 month after the operation.
Post-Operative Care
Daily home care by a nurse, dressing changes every 2 days, and anticoagulation as required.
Rehabilitation to begin 1 month after surgery.
Back to school or work
Return to school or work expected between 2 and 3 months after surgery.
Rehabilitation/ Physiotherapy
Start: 1 month.
Duration: 1 to 3 months, depending on recovery.
Pace: 2 to 3 weekly sessions (30-60 min), with daily exercises.
Nature: Pain-relieving physiotherapy, muscle strengthening, relaxation, posture.
Respect for the no-pain rule.
No need for corset/lumbar support, except in special cases.
Neurological complications: Less than 5%.
Worsening of neurological condition, leading to neuropathic pain or temporary or permanent paralysis.
This risk remains below 5% for this operation.
Infection: 1-3
Early scar infection may require a return to the operating room for cleaning and prolonged antibiotic therapy.
Chronic or late infections may require re-operation to remove or change the implanted material.
Hemorrhagic complications
Significant bleeding may occur during or after the operation, which may require a blood transfusion.
In the event of compressive hematoma causing breathing difficulties, urgent surgical revision will be performed.
Mechanical Complications
Pseudarthrosis: bone graft failure, aggravated by smoking, diabetes and obesity.
If painful, a new bone graft may be required.
Adjacent syndrome: degeneration of neighboring vertebral levels, sometimes warranting extension of arthrodesis.
Complications related to the cervical approach
Dysphonia/Dysphagia: voice or swallowing disorders, often transient.
If this persists beyond 2 months, an ENT consultation is necessary.
Claude-Bernard Horner syndrome: rare, transient involvement of the cervical sympathetic nerve chain.
FAQ
Answers for our patients
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How can I make an appointment?
You can book an appointment directly on our website or by telephone on 04 72 43 03 43 (choice 1).
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Appointments take around 1 to 2 months. In an emergency, your GP can contact us directly by email.
How does the first consultation work?
At your first consultation, you will complete an iPad questionnaire in the waiting room so the doctor has your information in advance. The consultation will then determine whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is needed.
What documents should I bring to my visit?
Please bring your carte vitale, your GP's referral letter, and any radiological examinations already carried out.
