Microdiscectomy

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

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Microdisectomy: Quick Facts

  • Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery used to treat a herniated disc in the lower back by removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve.
  • The procedure is most commonly recommended for patients with persistent leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by a lumbar disc herniation that has not improved with conservative treatment.
  • During surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision and uses specialized instruments to remove the herniated disc fragment while preserving as much healthy disc tissue as possible and relieving pressure on the affected nerve.
  • Because it is performed through a small incision with minimal disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues, microdiscectomy typically results in less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery than traditional open spine surgery.
  • Most patients begin walking the same day or the day after surgery and gradually return to normal daily activities with the guidance of a structured rehabilitation program. Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery.
  • For appropriately selected patients, microdiscectomy is a highly effective treatment for relieving nerve compression, reducing leg pain, and helping patients return to their normal activities and quality of life.

What Is a Microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy surgery 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.

While this may be a common procedure performed by many spinal surgeons, at VSI we believe in discussing with our patients the future of their spine care to ensure we’re making the best decisions for your short term and long term spinal health.

What are the benefits of Microdiscectomy Surgery?

There are many benefits of microdiscectomy and other minimally invasive spine surgeries. Using the most advanced surgical technologies ensures the safest and most minimally invasive procedures for our patients. Relief from a microdiscectomy include:

  • Minimizes the extent of tissue disruption
  • Reduces post-operative pain
  • Significantly reduce the healing time
Microdiscectomy

Conditions That Benefit from Microdiscectomy Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions About Microdiscectomy Surgery:

Because the operation is done through a very small incision and disturbs far less muscle and bone than open surgery, healing moves quickly. Using the Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) protocol and this minimally invasive technique significantly reduce the healing time. ESR gets patients out of bed and walking the same day or the following morning, and starting physical therapy exercises early to speed tissue repair. Most people are up and about for light daily tasks within the first couple of weeks, then build endurance and strength over the next few months under the guidance of their care team.

Once the incision and soft-tissue window have fully healed, patients are able to return to the activities they enjoy. There are no permanent restrictions; instead, proper lifting mechanics, strong core support, and good posture are encouraged to protect the repaired level. Even after recovery, it is wise to avoid heavy or repetitive loads that strain the low back, since those movements are known to aggravate discs.

When a herniated disc still compresses a nerve after conservative care, a minimally-invasive surgery such as microdiscectomy is highly successful in eliminating the symptoms and allowing people to return to a full and active lifestyle.

Learn more and find out if you are a candidate for Microdiscectomy Surgery

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