What Is Discectomy Surgery and When Is It Needed?
A discectomy (sometimes spelt 'diskectomy') is a surgical procedure used to remove the part of a herniated or bulging spinal disc that is pressing on nearby nerves. Intervertebral discs sit between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and act like shock absorbers. When a disc bulges or ruptures, it can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, often in the lower back and legs (sciatica) or neck and arms. Discectomy aims to relieve this pressure and ease symptoms.
This surgery may be done as an open operation or a minimally invasive technique such as microdiscectomy, which uses smaller cuts and specialised tools to reduce muscle disturbance and speed healing.
Purpose & Benefits of Discectomy
● Relieves nerve pressure caused by a herniated disc.
● Reduces back or leg pain when other treatments like medicines or physical therapy have failed.
● Improves numbness, tingling, or weakness from nerve compression.
● Offers faster symptom relief compared with continued conservative care for certain cases.
● Minimally invasive approaches may mean smaller scars and shorter recovery.
Who May Need a Discectomy?
A discectomy may be recommended when:
● Herniated disc symptoms, such as severe and persistent pain, numbness, or muscle weakness, do not improve with non-surgical treatments.
● Nerve compression symptoms (like sciatica) affect daily activities or quality of life.
● There is significant weakness in the legs or arms that may lead to functional problems.
● In rare emergencies such as cauda equina syndrome (loss of bowel/bladder control), immediate surgery is needed.
Doctors consider your symptoms, imaging results (like MRI), and response to prior treatments before suggesting a discectomy.
Types of Discectomies
1. Open Discectomy
This traditional approach involves a larger incision in the back to access the herniated disc and remove the portion pressing on the nerve.
2. Microdiscectomy (Minimally Invasive)
A smaller cut and special instruments, sometimes including an endoscope, are used to remove the disc fragment with less tissue trauma. This can lead to less pain and quicker recovery.
3. Endoscopic Discectomy
In this variation, a tiny camera and tools are inserted through a very small incision, and the disc material is removed under video guidance. It often leads to even faster mobilisation and reduced hospital stays.
Discectomy Procedure: Step-by-Step
1. Before surgery, imaging tests and physical exams help plan the operation. You’ll be told when to stop eating and which medicines to avoid.
2. You will receive general anaesthesia so you are asleep and pain-free during surgery.
3. A small incision is made in the back, typically over the affected spinal level.
4. The muscles are gently moved aside to reach the spine. In minimally invasive methods, a small tube or endoscope may be used.
5. The surgeon removes the herniated portion of the disc that presses on nerves.
6. The incision is closed with stitches or staples, and a dressing is applied.
The whole surgery usually takes about 1–2 hours, depending on the technique and complexity.
Recovery & Aftercare
After discectomy:
● You may walk and move around soon after surgery to help blood flow and reduce complications.
● Most people return to light activities within a couple of weeks, though this depends on the method used and your overall health.
● Avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting for several weeks as advised by your surgeon.
● Pain at the incision site is common but manageable with medication.
● Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility as you heal.
Good recovery often requires patience and following all instructions from your healthcare team.
Risks & Possible Complications
Although discectomy is generally safe, risks include:
● Infection at the incision or deeper tissues.
● Bleeding or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
● Nerve injury that may cause lingering numbness or weakness.
● Dural tear (spinal fluid leak) in rare cases.
● Recurrent disc herniation, where the disc may bulge again.
● Possible reaction to anaesthesia and general surgical risks.
Your surgeon will discuss risks based on your health and the specific procedure before you agree to surgery.
Dr. Navin Mewara
SPINE SPECIALIST ( MS ORTHOPAEDICS )
Orthopedics
OrthopedicsOrthopedic Spine Surgeons
Dr. Navin Mewara is a highly experienced Spine and Orthopaedic Surgeon in Jodhpur with over 15 years of clinical practice. He holds an MBBS and MS in Orthopaedics and specializes in treating back pain, slip disc, sciatica, neck pain, and spinal disorders. Known for accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment methods, and compassionate care, Dr. Mewara helps patients regain mobility and live pain-free. Patients from Jodhpur and nearby regions like pali , jalore. barmer , balotra , jaiselmer, nagaur, phalodi , pipar etc trust him for reliable spine and orthopedic treatment.
17E / 224 CHB, CHAND VILLAS NAMKEEN, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, 342008
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Dr. Umesh Srikantha
MBBS, MCh - Neuro Surgery
Neurosurgery
NeurosurgeryDr Umesh Srikantha (MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery), Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery) is a highly respected neurosurgeon specializing in spine surgery, with over 20 years of experience in advanced neurosurgical and spinal procedures. He currently serves as Additional Director – Neuro and Spine Surgery at Fortis Hospital, BG Road, Bengaluru, leading a high-volume practice performing 35–40 complex spine surgeries per month, many using minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. His clinical focus includes minimally invasive spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, complex spine procedures, functional spine surgery, and percutaneous spine interventions.
Fortis Hospital, 154, 9, Bannerghatta Road, Opposite IIM, Sahyadri Layout, Panduranga Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560076
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MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Neuro Surgery
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