Microdiscectomy

What Is a Microdiscectomy?

A microdiscectomy, also referred to as microdecompression surgery, is a minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery used to relieve pain caused by a compressed nerve, including leg or sciatica pain. During this procedure, bone material might also be removed to relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine causing the pain. Typically pain relief is felt immediately after the spine surgery is performed.

Previous to more advanced surgical techniques, microdiscectomies were an open back surgery. Now it is an endoscopic surgery where our board-certified neurosurgeons enter the spine through small incisions. This makes damage to muscles and surrounding tissues minimal, while still accomplishing the pain-relieving results of the surgery.

During the surgery, a small portion of bone along with herniated disc material will be removed to provide relief to the pinched nerve. Only the herniated or damaged portion of the disc will be taken out, while the rest of the disc will be left intact to heal. This is why the procedure is also referred to as herniated disc surgery. Even though there is usually initial pain relief post-surgery, the complete healing process can take weeks or months.