Discectomy

What is a Spinal Discectomy?

A Discectomy or open discectomy is the surgical removal of a herniated disc material that presses on a nerve root or spinal cord. The procedure involves removing the central portion of an intervertebral disc, the nucleus pulposus, which causes pain by stressing the spinal cord or radiating nerves. Usually a microdiscectomy is performed on an outpatient basis with no overnight stay in the hospital or with one overnight in the hospital.

Possible Side Effects and Aftercare

Patients may return to a normal level of daily activity quickly, some spine surgery may restrict a patient from bending, lifting or twisting for the first six weeks following surgery.