OPS-Code 5-831.23:

You have had an operation to remove one or more intervertebral discs from your spinal column.

The spine is made up of the individual vertebrae. Between every 2 vertebrae there is a vertebral disc.Intervertebral discs consist of cartilage and connective tissue. Intervertebral discs connect neighboring vertebrae to one another and absorb pressure and shocks.

Most vertebrae consist of a vertebral body and a vertebral arch. The vertebral body bears the weight of the body. The vertebral arches lie on top of one another to form the spinal canal. The spinal cord lies in the vertebral canal.To the right and left of the spine, at the level of each vertebra, a spinal nerve comes out. The spinal nerves come out of the spine through openings between the vertebrae. The spinal nerves transmit information between the spine and the body.

The operation began by making one or more small incisions in the skin above your spine. A thin tube can then be then inserted via one of these incisions. A camera is attached to the end of the tube. This camera then sends images to a screen during the examination. Instruments can be advanced through the tube. These instruments can then be used to remove intervertebral disc tissue. During the operation, the skin above the spine was then opened with a a large incision.

Your operation also involved relieving pressure on spinal nerves. Damaged intervertebral discs can press down on spinal nerves.