Lumbar Microdiscectomy

What is a Lumbar Microdiscectomy?

A microdiscectomy is usually a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on patients with a herniated lumbar disc. The surgeon will remove portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column. During a microdiscectomy, a small incision is made over the affected disc. The surgeon may remove a small portion of the bone that protects the root nerve. The surgeon will remove the damaged herniated tissue relieving the pressure on the nerve allowing the spinal nerve the space it needs to stop any pinching on the nerve.

Possible Side Effects and Aftercare

The recovery time is shorter than other, more invasive procedures with most patients leaving the same day or after 24 hours. Although for the first week or two weeks you may need to reduce your workload and avoid heavy lifting.