The outpatient procedure, a minimally invasive microdiscectomy, took two hours. The surgical team used local spine anesthesia, according to a Dec. 19 press release.
The procedure involved an incision of an inch-and-a-half. The surgeons used an operative microscope to precisely guide the procedure. Though it’s a common procedure, this is the first time it has been done at OHSU with the patient awake and communicating.
The patient was a prime candidate for the procedure as she was young, healthy and active, according to the release. She’s recovering at home and plans to be back to normal exercise soon.