What is Microdiscectomy Surgery?
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery performed to remove a small portion of a herniated or slipped disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve. This pressure can cause symptoms such as severe back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
The procedure uses specialised surgical instruments, often a microscope, to allow the surgeon to remove the damaged part of the disc through a small incision, minimising damage to surrounding muscles and tissues.
Microdiscectomy is one of the most common surgeries for treating lumbar disc herniation and is often recommended when conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections fail to relieve symptoms.
Who May Need a Microdiscectomy?
A microdiscectomy may be recommended for patients who experience:
● Severe leg pain (sciatica) caused by a herniated disc
● Persistent back or neck pain that does not improve with medication or therapy
● Numbness or tingling in the legs, feet, arms, or hands
● Muscle weakness due to nerve compression
● Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
● Loss of bladder or bowel control caused by nerve pressure (a medical emergency)
Doctors usually consider surgery only after non-surgical treatments have been tried for several weeks or months without improvement.
Microdiscectomy Procedure
Microdiscectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.
1. Preparation
The patient undergoes medical evaluation, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, and pre-operative assessments.
2. Anesthesia
General anesthesia is administered so the patient remains asleep and pain-free during surgery.
3. Small Incision
The surgeon makes a small incision in the back near the affected spinal disc.
4. Muscle Separation
The back muscles are gently moved aside to expose the spine.
5. Removal of Disc Material
Using a microscope and surgical instruments, the surgeon removes the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve.
6. Closure
The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
The goal of the procedure is to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve, which can significantly reduce pain and restore normal function.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery after microdiscectomy is usually quicker than traditional open spine surgery because the procedure is minimally invasive.
Typical recovery guidelines include the following:
● Hospital stays: Many patients go home the same day or within 24 hours.
● Return to light activities: Usually within 1–2 weeks.
● Full recovery: Often takes about 4–6 weeks, although heavy activities should be avoided longer.
Doctors may recommend:
● Avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for several weeks
●Keeping the surgical site clean and dry
● Gradually increasing physical activity
● Physical therapy to strengthen back muscles and improve mobility
Following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential for proper healing and preventing recurrence.
Risks & Possible Complications
Microdiscectomy is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, but like all surgeries, it carries certain risks.
Possible complications include the following:
● Infection or bleeding
● Nerve injury causing numbness or weakness
● Dural tear, which can cause leakage of spinal fluid (1–7% of cases)
● Recurrent disc herniation after surgery
● Blood clots or anesthesia-related complications
Although complications are uncommon, doctors carefully monitor patients during and after surgery to minimize their risks.
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