Lumbar microdiscectomy
What is a microdiscectomy?
Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to remove the part of a lumbar herniated disc that irritates or inflames the nerve root.
When is a lumbar microdiscectomy advised?
Lumbar microdiscectomy is usually recommended for patients with a herniated lumbar disc that causes leg pain, muscle weakness or difficulty with repetitive movements and when conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, medication and rest have failed to relieve the patient’s symptoms.
Lumbar microdiscectomy is also recommended for patients with signs of nerve damage, such as weakness or loss of sensation in the legs.
The procedure is usually more effective in relieving leg pain (radiculopathy or sciatica) than low back pain and is not recommended for patients who have not tried conservative treatments or who have only mild symptoms.
How is a microdiscectomy performed?
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and involves making a small incision in the lower back to access the affected disc.
The surgeon then uses a microscope or magnifying glasses to view the area and removes a small piece of bone over the nerve root and/or disc material under the nerve root to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Compared to other types of spine surgery, lumbar microdiscectomy has several unique features:
- Minimally invasive: Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a small incision in the lumbar area to access the affected disc. This means that the procedure is less traumatic to the affected tissues and has a faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
- Good surgical visualisation: Lumbar microdiscectomy allows good surgical visualisation of the affected area through the use of a microscope or magnifying glasses. This allows the surgeon to focus precisely on the affected disc and minimise damage to surrounding tissues.
- Less blood loss: Lumbar microdiscectomy is associated with less blood loss compared to traditional open surgery.
- Shorter hospital stay: Lumbar microdiscectomy allows patients to have a shorter hospital stay compared to traditional open surgery.
- Rapid pain relief: Lumbar microdiscectomy often results in rapid, and sometimes immediate, pain relief. This is because the procedure removes the part of the herniated disc that irritates or inflames the nerve root.
What are the risks of lumbar microdiscectomy?
It is a safe and effective surgery, but like any surgical procedure, there are associated risks and complications that are usually low, but may include infection, nerve injury, bleeding and residual pain.
What is the postoperative period after lumbar microdiscectomy?
The postoperative period after microdiscectomy depends on the individual needs of the patient and the surgeon’s preferences. The patient may need to stay in hospital for 1 or 2 days after surgery.
After surgery, the patient returns home with autonomy for basic activities of daily living, although for the first few weeks the patient should avoid exercise and strenuous activities and heavy lifting or bending and twisting movements of the back.
The patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the incision site, which can be treated with painkillers.
Overall, lumbar microdiscectomy is a safe and effective procedure to relieve leg pain caused by a herniated disc in the lower back.
Your BSI spine surgeon will be able to guide you and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure and what to expect during the post-operative process.