Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique for herniated discs in the lumbar spine. This is a very common spinal procedure. With this technique, your surgeon will create a bone window through a midline incision. Through this bone window, the thecal sac and nerve root can be identified and retracted in order to visualize the herniation. The disc herniation is then removed with micro tools, leaving only healthy disk material behind and decompressing the nerve.
This may be a common procedure performed by many spinal surgeons. And for patients, it is their first type of spinal surgery. But at the Virginia Spine Institute, we believe in discussing with our patients the future of their spine. Many patients come in knowing they have a disc herniation wanting to know if surgery is the best answer. Our surgeons believe in educating the patient all the different treatment options and it’s likelihood for long term success. The patient’s goals and the surgeon’s goals are the same.
It is always good to get another opinion. Once you have symptoms from a disc herniation, our surgeons believe in the importance to discuss non-operative and operative options so you have the knowledge and trust needed to choose our surgeon.
Having a disc herniation is a sign that the disc is degenerating. Our surgeons believe in educating you about your spine so you can be prepared for what is occurring now and what you can do to have success in the future.
Performed in a minimally invasive approach, the surgeon is making a small incision to access the level of the disc herniation. Then a small window is made in the bone called a hemilaminectomy in order to access the spinal canal. The surgeon then removes any disc fragments that are putting pressure on the nerves, called discectomy.
Patients find it very frustrating and concerning to feel that their surgery many have not worked. Our surgeons perform the most revision and failed surgery in the region. Many surgeons will not operate on patients that have had surgery with another surgeon since they do not want to accept the risk and unknown outcome. Our surgeons believe in helping our patients that may need revision surgery. We have patients come from all over the country and world to get an opinion. Please contact us for more information.
“I can’t say enough positive things about my experience with Virginia Spine Institute. This is the last back doctor I will see!”
"“DON’T FEAR THE
SPINAL FUSION!”
Reviewed by: Dr. Christopher Good, MD, FACS.