Overview
A microdiscectomy removes the portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve, usually in the lower back. It is done through a small incision using a microscope or magnifying lenses.
It is mainly used to relieve leg pain (sciatica) from a herniated disc. It is less predictable for back pain alone.
Watch and learn
Video: “Dr. Ali Bydon Discusses Open vs. Minimally Invasive Lumbar Diskectomy” from Johns Hopkins Medicine on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Who may be a candidate
- Leg pain from a herniated disc that has not improved after about 6 weeks or more of nonsurgical care
- Leg weakness that is significant or getting worse
- MRI findings that match your symptoms
- Emergency cases such as cauda equina syndrome
Your exam, imaging and overall health decide whether this surgery is appropriate for you.
How it is done
- General anesthesia is given and you lie face down.
- The surgeon makes a small incision (often about an inch) over the affected level.
- Muscles are gently moved aside and a small window of bone or ligament may be removed to reach the disc.
- Using magnification, the surgeon removes the disc fragment pressing on the nerve.
- The incision is closed. Many patients go home the same day.
This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. Procedures that are appropriate for outpatient care may be performed at GSMC’s surgery center; others are done in a hospital. Your surgeon will explain where your procedure would take place.
Recovery timeline
Walking is encouraged right away. Avoid heavy lifting, bending and twisting.
Many people return to desk work; physical therapy may begin.
Gradual return to more physical work and activities as advised.
Recovery depends on the procedure, your health and how many levels are treated. Your surgeon will give you a written plan.
Risks
Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will review them with you, including:
- Recurrent disc herniation at the same level
- Infection or bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Spinal fluid leak
- Persistent pain
Alternatives to consider
- Epidural Steroid Injection
- Spinal Nerve Root Blocks
- Disc Decompression
- Physical therapy (what to expect)
See all nonsurgical options, or ask for a second opinion.
Who performs it
Call 732-202-3000 to confirm which surgeon performs this procedure and where.
Frequently asked questions
How soon will my leg pain improve?
Many people notice leg pain relief soon after surgery; numbness and weakness may take longer to recover.
Can the disc herniate again?
Yes, recurrence happens in a minority of patients.
Is microdiscectomy the same as endoscopic discectomy?
Both remove disc material through small openings. Endoscopic surgery uses a camera through an even smaller tube.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary. No outcome can be promised.