What is a Lumbar Microdiscectomy

A lumbar microdiscectomy also known as microdecompression is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove the portion of a herniated disc that is irritating or inflaming the nerve root. A microdiscectomy is performed through a small incision in the middle of the lower back. This surgery can help relieve leg or back pain if alternative methods, such as physical therapy or pain medications, have proven ineffective. This microdecompression procedure for the herniated or degenerated disc pressing on an affected nerve is removed in order to relieve the pressure.

The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery lumbar Microdiscectomy

Who is a candidate for microdiscectomy

People who are experiencing leg pain from a herniated disc that has not been resolved in over six weeks and have failed on other therapies are the most typical candidates.  If the pain is severe and interferes with their activities of daily living or they are unable to sleep or work, a minimally invasive microdiscectomy may be the best solution sooner than six weeks.

Understanding the microdiscectomy procedure

Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery and is performed as an outpatient.  Anesthesia should eliminate any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Typically the surgeon will insert a small tube into the lower back. The herniated disc is then removed with specialized tools, using the tube as a guide.   The surgeon then uses operating glasses or an operating microscope to be able to clearly see the nerve root. The fragments of disc that are displaced will be removed, the incision is then closed and bandaged.  Alternately, the surgeon may choose to use lasers to remove the disc. In either case, the incision will be very small and should heal quickly.

Risks and complications

As with any surgery, there are risks involved, such as reaction to the anesthesia, blood clots, excessive bleeding, and infection. Complications specific to microdiscectomy can be nerve damage or persistent pain, bladder incontinence and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Expected recovery time

One of the advantages of minimally invasive surgery is it is an outpatient procedure.  Patients are typically are released to go home after a few hours.  Recovery times vary from patient to patient but many people can return to work within a week or so. Typically doctors recommend abstaining from bending, twisting or lifting for a period of six weeks after surgery. Patients are given a course of physical therapy exercises to perform.  Physical therapy will help the patient regain strength in the back after surgery.

If you are suffering from a herniated disc and would like to understand if a lumbar microdiscectomy is the right treatment option for you contact us for a consultation with one of our spine surgeons.

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“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

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Please contact us with any questions about your treatment at The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

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